Heroic Act Leads to Tragedy: Indian Student Drowns While Rescuing Friends in Texas
Tragic Incident at Toledo Bend Reservoir
In a heartbreaking event, Anurup Reddy Koduru, a 22-year-old Indian student who had just graduated from the University of North Texas, lost his life while trying to save three friends from drowning at the Toledo Bend Reservoir, located on the Texas-Louisiana border. Reddy, a skilled swimmer, jumped into the water upon seeing his friends in trouble. He managed to rescue all three but became ensnared in a fishing line, which led to him being pulled underwater by strong currents. His body was later recovered from a depth of approximately 20 feet.
This tragic incident took place on May 29. In the wake of his passing, Reddy's brother, Ashtrith Reddy Koduru, initiated a fundraiser to assist with the expenses related to repatriating his body to India and arranging for his final rites. The family expressed their devastation, stating, "Our immediate priority is to bring his body back home to our parents and family in India. The costs associated with international repatriation, legal documentation, and transportation are extremely high."
Having recently completed his education, Reddy was eager to embark on the next phase of his life. Although local authorities did not immediately disclose the identity of the victim, Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell confirmed the drowning of a young man from Denton, Texas. In a statement, the sheriff's office noted, "Sheriff Aaron Mitchell sadly reports a 22-year-old Denton, Texas man drowned this afternoon, Friday, May 29, 2026. Initial reports indicate the man was swimming with friends at the spillway near Toledo Bend Dam when he went under."
The search and recovery operation involved multiple agencies, including the South Sabine Fire District, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, North Sabine Fire District, Sabine River Authority, Acadian Ambulance, Life Air Rescue, and the Sabine Parish Sheriff's Office Dive Team. Sheriff Mitchell and his office extended their condolences to Reddy's family and friends during this difficult time.
In response to the tragedy, the Consulate General of India in Houston expressed their condolences for Anurup Reddy Koduru's untimely death. They stated, "The Consulate condoles the tragic demise of Anurup Reddy Koduru, a young Indian student who just graduated from UNT, Denton. Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family, and we remain in contact with them to provide all possible assistance and support."