Indian student drowns in US after saving three friends from reservoir

Anurup Reddy Koduru, an Indian student and recent graduate of the University of North Texas, tragically lost his life in the United States after bravely saving three friends from drowning. The incident occurred on May 29 at the Toledo Bend Reservoir, located on the border of Texas and Louisiana.

Koduru, described as an excellent swimmer, jumped into the water upon seeing his friends in distress. He successfully rescued all three individuals. However, his own life was cut short when his feet became entangled in fishing wire. The strong current then pulled him into the stream, and he was later found lifeless at a depth of 20 feet.

The local sheriff's office confirmed the drowning, with Sheriff Aaron Mitchell reporting the death of a 22-year-old man from Denton, Texas. The statement noted that initial reports indicated the man was swimming with friends near the Toledo Bend Dam spillway when he went under. Multiple agencies, including fire departments, wildlife and fisheries, and sheriff's dive teams, were involved in the recovery effort. Sheriff Mitchell extended condolences to the man's family and friends.

Koduru's brother, Ashtrith Reddy Koduru, has initiated a fundraiser to help cover the costs of transporting Anurup's body back to India for his 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 cost of international repatriation, legal documentation, and transportation is incredibly high," the family stated, highlighting the significant financial burden they face during this difficult time.

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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 cost of international repatriation, legal documentation, and transportation is incredibly high.