Boy who wrote about the afterlife recants book: I did not die. I did not go to Heaven.

In 2004 a young boy named Alex Malarkey was in a horrible accident that left him paralyzed. In 2010 a book titled “The Boy Who Cam Back From Heaven” was published. It chronicled Alex’s experiences with death and his return to life that took place as a result of the accident. It was an international bestseller and is said to have sold more than 1 million copies.

“The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven” was published by Tyndale House, known for publishing books with Christian themes. Both Alex and his father, Kevin Malarkey, were listed as authors.

Alex, now 16, has gone on record to say that the story he told in the book was not true.

Earlier this week, Alex recanted his testimony about the afterlife. In an open letter to Christian bookstores posted on the Pulpit and Pen Web site, Alex states flatly: “I did not die. I did not go to Heaven.”

Referring to the injuries that continue to make it difficult for him to express himself, Alex writes, “Please forgive the brevity, but because of my limitations I have to keep this short. … 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. The Bible is the only source of truth. Anything written by man cannot be infallible.”

Read the full story: Boy Who Came Back From Heaven’ actually didn’t; books recalled

The books publisher, Tyndale, is facing a great deal of criticism over it decision to stop selling the book now. Many involved in the story say the publisher knew the story was false as early as 2010.

Last April, Alex’s mother posted a statement on her blog objecting to the memoir and its promotion: “It is both puzzling and painful to watch the book ‘The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven’ not only continue to sell, but to continue, for the most part, to not be questioned.” She goes on to say that the book is not “Biblically sound” and that her son’s objections to it have been ignored and repressed. She also notes that Alex “has not received monies from the book nor have a majority of his needs been funded by it.”

Read the full story: Boy Who Came Back From Heaven’ actually didn’t; books recalled

Read Why People Believed Boy’s ‘Visit to Heaven’ Story