Florida Man Survives Chest Gunshot After Cross Necklace Deflects Bullet
A Florida man narrowly escaped death after a gunshot to the chest was deflected by the cross necklace he was wearing, an extraordinary incident that has captured widespread attention and sparked discussions about faith, chance, and survival.
According to FOX 35 Orlando, 20-year-old Aidan Perry was visiting a friend’s apartment in Sumter County on June 7, 2025, when a tragic accident occurred. During the visit, Perry’s friend unintentionally discharged a .40-caliber handgun at point-blank range. The bullet struck Perry directly in the chest, an impact that would normally be expected to cause catastrophic or fatal injuries.
However, instead of piercing his heart or other vital organs, the bullet struck Perry’s gold cross necklace. The necklace absorbed and redirected enough of the bullet’s force to prevent it from penetrating his chest cavity. Medical professionals later confirmed that this split-second deflection likely saved his life.
Fox News reported that trauma surgeons at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital examined Perry and determined that the necklace played a crucial role in altering the bullet’s trajectory. While Perry suffered bleeding and required medical treatment, doctors confirmed that he avoided life-threatening damage and did not sustain critical injuries to his heart or lungs. Remarkably, he was able to walk away from the incident after receiving care.
Medical experts note that gunshot survivability often depends on small variables, including bullet speed, angle of impact, and objects that may absorb or deflect force. According to trauma research published by institutions such as Johns Hopkins Medicine, even minor changes in a bullet’s path can mean the difference between fatal and non-fatal injuries. While such outcomes are rare, they are not entirely unprecedented.
The story quickly spread across social media and news platforms, where many described Perry’s survival as a miracle. Others viewed the incident as a powerful symbol of faith, pointing to the cross necklace as more than just a piece of jewelry. Similar stories involving unexpected survivals have been documented by major outlets such as CNN and Reuters, often highlighting how chance and circumstance can dramatically alter outcomes in firearm-related accidents.
At the same time, the incident has renewed conversations about firearm safety. Organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consistently emphasize the importance of proper gun handling, secure storage, and education to prevent accidental discharges — a leading cause of unintentional firearm injuries in the United States.
In the end, Aidan Perry’s survival stands as a rare and striking reminder of how quickly life can change. Whether viewed through the lens of faith, medical science, or sheer coincidence, the incident underscores both the fragility of life and the profound impact of a single, unexpected moment.
