Anurup Reddy Koduru, a 22-year-old University of North Texas graduate, tragically drowned while saving three friends at Toledo Bend Reservoir in Texas.
DENTON, TEXAS – Anurup Reddy Koduru, a 22-year-old graduate of the University of North Texas and a native of Hyderabad, India, died on May 29 while heroically attempting to save three friends who were struggling in the water.
According to family members, Koduru was enjoying an outing with five friends at Toledo Bend Reservoir when the incident occurred. While fishing, three of his friends fell into the water. Without hesitation, Koduru jumped in to assist them. An accomplished swimmer, he successfully rescued all three friends. However, during the rescue, his feet became entangled in fishing wire or a net, preventing him from returning to safety.
Tragically, the current pulled Koduru underwater, and he was later discovered at a depth of 20 feet. The Sabine Parish Sheriff, Aaron Mitchell, confirmed that a 22-year-old man from Denton drowned near the spillway at Toledo Bend Dam while swimming with friends.
Rajender Reddy, Koduru’s father, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of his son. “He was a brilliant student and had recently secured a job opportunity in the United States. But God has been unfair to us,” he lamented.
In the wake of this tragedy, Koduru’s brother, Ashtrith Reddy Koduru, has initiated a fundraiser to facilitate the repatriation of his brother’s body to India for final rites. “We are absolutely devastated, and our immediate priority is to transport his body from the United States back home to our parents and family in India,” the family stated.
The Consulate General of India in Houston has reached out to the family and local authorities to assist with the necessary procedures for repatriation.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with water activities and the selflessness that some individuals exhibit in times of crisis. Anurup Reddy Koduru will be remembered not only for his academic achievements but also for his bravery in the face of danger.
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According to India-West.