Indian student dies in gun misfire accident during birthday celebration in Georgia

On November 13, 2024, Aryan Reddy, a 23-year-old Master of Science student from Telangana, tragically lost his life in an accidental gun misfire in Atlanta, Georgia. Reddy, originally from Bhuvanagiri, Telangana, was in the U.S. pursuing higher education at Kansas State University. The fatal accident occurred during his birthday celebration when he was cleaning a newly purchased hunting rifle, which he had recently acquired after obtaining a hunting gun license in the U.S.

According to reports, while handling the firearm, Reddy accidentally discharged the rifle, with the bullet striking him in the chest. His friends, who were nearby, rushed to his room upon hearing the gunshot and found him critically injured. They immediately transported him to a nearby hospital, but despite efforts to save him, he was declared dead due to the severity of the gunshot wound.

Reddy’s family, who resides in Uppal, Telangana, is grieving the loss of their son. The family has confirmed that his body will be flown back to Hyderabad later tonight for final rites. Aryan’s tragic death has drawn attention to the risks associated with firearm ownership, especially among students abroad.

Reddy's father, Sudarshan Reddy, expressed profound grief over the incident, saying, “We were unaware that students could acquire hunting gun licenses there. No parent should ever face such a tragedy.” He urged other parents to exercise caution when considering allowing their children to obtain hunting licenses while studying abroad, stressing the importance of safety.