“Ghost Boy” woke up from coma after being trapped for 12 years

Few stories of survival match that of Martin Pistorious, the man who awoke after 12 years trapped in a coma-like state, fully aware but unable to move or speak.

It began in 1988, when 12-year-old Martin from South Africa fell ill with a sore throat. His condition rapidly worsened, leading to a coma doctors linked to meningitis and tuberculosis of the brain. They told his parents, Rodney and Joan, there was no hope—his brain function was like that of a three-month-old.

Despite this, his parents cared for him daily, even as he appeared unresponsive. Then, years later, Martin began to regain consciousness—trapped in his body but fully aware. He described feeling like he was “encased in concrete,” unable to communicate, even hearing his mother once say, “I hope you die,” out of despair.

Around age 25, an observant therapist noticed subtle signs of awareness. Tests confirmed he was conscious, and with support and technology, Martin began to communicate. He eventually regained the ability to interact, learned to read and write, and got a job at a health center in 2003.

Martin later learned web design, graduated from university, and in 2008 met Joanna, whom he married a year later. They now live in England, where he works as a web designer.

His story of unimaginable endurance, love, and recovery is told in his memoir Ghost Boy (2011), a powerful testament to faith, hope, and above all, love.

Trapped In His Body For 12 Years, A Man Breaks Free Via @nprnews http://t.co/HCAayKpVgO pic.twitter.com/WugzqCg7FF

— Marcel Rivera Paniza (@UtopiasArchitct) January 10, 2015