Science Reveals The Absolute Worst Ways A Human Can Die

While thinking about death can be overwhelming, science has shown that some ways of dying are far more terrifying than others.

From the man trapped upside down in a tight cave for 28 hours to a rebel leader forced to be eaten alive by his own followers, history is filled with gruesome stories.

But scientifically speaking, three deaths stand out as the worst ways to die.

Being buried alive

Being buried alive makes it onto this terrifying list. While it might seem like a situation where you could somehow dig yourself out, experts say it's much harder than you'd think.

There’s some debate over how long someone could survive when buried alive. Some claim 10 minutes, while others suggest up to 36 hours.

Obviously, nobody is rushing to put this theory to the test. What’s clear is that it’s one of the most terrifying prospects imaginable.

Being buried alive is a harsh way to die Andrew Fox/Getty stock photo

Trying to dig your way out would be nearly impossible, as you'd not only have to break through a coffin but also get through all the heavy soil piled on top of you. 

Without a shovel, your chances of escape are pretty slim, though a few have tried it—with deadly consequences.

One daredevil once attempted to break free after being buried alive. He managed to dig up to four feet before almost dying and needing rescue.

Radiation sickness

Another incredibly horrible way to die is from radiation sickness, and there’s plenty of scientific evidence to back this up.

Survivors of nuclear disasters offer sobering examples of the slow, agonizing effects of radiation.

One of the most famous cases is that of Hisashi Ouchi, who was involved in a power plant accident in Japan.

Radiation can be deadly credit: Paul Bersebach/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images

After a week of trying to save him, Ouchi began begging the doctors to stop.

His heart stopped three times during his ordeal, but his family insisted that doctors keep trying to revive him.

In total, it took 83 days for him to die as his skin melted off and he 'cried blood'. In the end, he passed away from multiple organ failure.

Pyroclastic flow

Then there’s the deadly pyroclastic flow, the most lethal part of a volcanic eruption.

Pyroclastic flows are fast-moving clouds of gas and volcanic debris that sweep across the landscape after an eruption.

These flows are impossible to outrun, and they destroy everything in their path, reaching temperatures as high as 1,000°C.

Volcanic eruptions are deemed as one of the worst ways to die Kriswanto Ginting/Getty stock photo

The heat would kill you quickly, but the final moments would be horrifying as your skin would literally be cooked by the intense heat.

Fortunately, these extreme deaths are rare. Most of us will never experience anything quite so horrific when it’s our time to go.