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Telangana student dies in US after saving friends from drowning
The recent University of North Texas graduate had reportedly secured a job in the US and was preparing to begin his career before the fatal rescue attempt claimed his life.
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Malvika Choudhary - Mon, 01, Jun 2026
- 17:29 EDT
- 41
Anurup Reddy Koduru / Go Fund Me
A 23-year-old student from Telangana died in the United States after reportedly saving three friends from drowning at Toledo Bend Dam on May 29.
Anurup Reddy Koduru, a native of Abdullapurmet near Hyderabad, had recently completed a master's degree in Computer Science at the University of North Texas and was preparing to begin his professional career in the US.
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According to family members, Anurup had gone on an outing with five friends when three of them reportedly slipped into the water while fishing. Anurup, described by relatives as an excellent swimmer, immediately jumped into the water and managed to rescue all three.
However, while attempting to return to safety, his feet reportedly became entangled in a submerged fishing wire or net. The current then pulled him into the stream, and rescue teams later recovered his body from a depth of about 20 feet.
Anurup completed his BTech from Guru Nanak Institutions before moving to the US for higher studies. According to his LinkedIn profile, he actively participated in university hackathons and won top positions in competitions including HackUNT and a web design event organized by the Graduate Student Council at the University of North Texas.
The Consulate condoles the tragic demise of Anurup Reddy Koduru, a young Indian student who just graduated from UNT, Denton. The Consulate’s thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family and remain in touch with the family and the concerned to extend all possible assistance…
— India in Houston (@cgihou) May 30, 2026
In an appeal seeking support to repatriate his body to India, his brother, Ashrith Reddy Koduru, described Anurup as a "true hero" who gave his life while saving others. The family said its immediate priority is to bring his body back to India for final rites.
The online fundraiser, launched to cover repatriation, legal documentation and transportation expenses, had raised more than $170,000 of its $200,000 goal from over 5,000 donations as of June 1.
The Consulate General of India, Houston, expressed condolences over Anurup's death and said it was in touch with the family and relevant authorities to provide assistance and facilitate necessary procedures.
"The Consulate condoles the tragic demise of Anurup Reddy Koduru, a young Indian student who just graduated from UNT, Denton," the mission said in a statement, adding that its thoughts and prayers were with the bereaved family.
The family has appealed for assistance in bringing Anurup's body back to India at the earliest to perform his final rites.
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