Alex Malarkey “The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven” recants story

Alex Malarkey

Alex Malarkey became famous when he co-authored a book "The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven" with his father (published in 2010) about going to heaven and returning. 

Ten years later, he has come out to say that he did not actually go to heaven. He wrote an open letter to Christian publishers retracting his story.

In 2004 Alex and his father Kevin a Christian therapist, were involved in an accident that left 6 year old Alex paralyzed and in a coma for two months.

According to the publisher''s notes on Amazom.com 

Alex awoke from a coma with an incredible story to share. Of events at the accident scene and in the hospital while he was unconscious. Of the angels that took him through the gates of heaven itself. Of the unearthly music that sounded just ‘terrible’ to a six-year-old. And, most amazing of all . . . Of meeting and talking to Jesus. ‘The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven’ is the true story of an ordinary boy’s most extraordinary journey. As you see heaven and earth through Alex’s eyes, you’ll come away with new insights on miracles, life beyond this world, and the power of a father’s love.”

Alex is now saying that he made the whole thing up:

"I said I went to heaven because I thought it would get me attention. When I made the claims that I did, I had never read the Bible. People have profited from lies, and continue to. They should read the Bible, which is enough."

Two major Christian bookstores, Lifeway and Tyndale House, have announced plans to pull the books from stores.

In April, Alex's mother, Beth Malarkey, wrote on her blog that the book was untrue. She also insinuated that Alex had not received the proceeds from the book sales:

It is both puzzling and painful to watch the book The Boy who Came Back from Heaven to not only continue to sell, but to continue, for the most part, to not be questioned ... The ones making money from the book are NOT the ones staying up through the night, struggling for their breath, or were they the ones at six years old, waking up unable to move or breathe and in a strange place after last remember seeing a car coming right at the car he was riding in.

Alex is still severely disabled and is cared for by his mother at home in Ohio. They live together in Huntsville with his three siblings. Kevin Malarkey, who recently divorced from Alex's mother Beth,  lives in Columbus, Ohio. 

Kevin Malarkey has not publicly commented on Alex's recantation.