What happens if you’re still alive after doctors declare you dead?

Velma Thomas’heart stopped three times and she had no brain activity (Picture: News Channel 5)

Velma Thomas had been clinically brain dead for 17 hours when a miracle happened.

The mum of two had had a heart attack at her West Virginia home and doctors at the Charleston Area Medical Centre fought in vain to bring her back to life.

After the 59-year-old’s heart stopped three times and medics could no longer detect brain activity, she was declared dead, and family and friends said their goodbyes.