A man who feared for his life after being shot in the chest at close range is believed to have survived due to the gold cross necklace he wore during the incident.
20-year-old Aiden Perry was at a friend’s apartment in Sumter County, Florida on June 7 when the unexpected event occurred. Reports suggest Perry was accidentally shot with a .40-caliber pistol while his friend was demonstrating the firearm.
The bullet pierced Perry’s chest, exited near his armpit, and re-entered into his arm, fracturing his humerus.
Perry shared his terrifying experience with Fox 35 Orlando, stating: “I looked down I see tons of blood. I thought I was going to die, honestly.”
His friend swiftly transported him to the emergency room at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, where medical staff promptly took him to surgery.
Surgeons discovered that, despite the bullet entering his chest, it had not damaged Perry’s vital organs.
Dr. Khafra Garcia Henry, one of the surgeons involved, explained: “The bullet entered his left upper chest around this area and traveled to his left arm.”
“When we normally see these injuries, they’re usually devastating injuries. In Aidan’s case, he was fortunate enough where the bullet did not enter his chest wall – it ricocheted off the chain he was wearing.”
Doctors believe the cross on Perry’s necklace was positioned perfectly to deflect the bullet, causing the necklace to break in two and significantly reducing the damage.
Henry added: “He’s extremely lucky. A very fortunate young individual because if his chain was not there, the outcome would have been completely different.”
Learning about the chain’s role in his survival, Perry expressed that his faith has been strengthened.
“It’s just kind of a reminder now – to never stop believing… keep believing and God’s definitely real,” he said.
In an interview with WESH2, Perry held the broken necklace and remarked: “I look at it as a lifesaver. I probably wouldn’t be talking to you guys right now [without it].”
Perry’s father, who gave his son the necklace as a Christmas gift, also attributes their faith to helping avert severe harm to Perry.
The individual suspected of shooting Perry has been arrested and faces charges of culpable negligence causing injury.