Man saved after Christian cross necklace deflects bullet in near-fatal shooting

A 20-year-old man says his faith has deepened after surviving a close brush with death when a bullet struck the cross pendant around his neck.

Aidan Perry from from Ocala, Florida, United States, was visiting a friend’s home when he was accidentally shot in the chest with a .40-caliber pistol, according to FOX 25.

He was rushed to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and taken straight into surgery.

Doctors say the gold chain and cross he was wearing may have altered the bullet’s path, preventing fatal injuries. The round entered Perry’s chest and exited near his armpit before reentering through his arm, fracturing his humerus.

Perry recalled the terrifying moment, telling FOX 35 he feared for his life after seeing “tons of blood.””It’s just kind of a reminder now – to never stop believing,” he said. “Keep believing and God’s definitely real.”

Trauma surgeon Khafra Garcia Henry, who treated Perry, said the necklace likely changed the outcome.”He’s a very fortunate young individual because if his chain was not there, the outcome would have been completely different,” Henry explained. “When we normally see these injuries, they’re usually devastating. 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.”

The necklace,ba Christmas gift from Perry’s father, now carries even deeper meaning for him. He said he was already religious but feels his faith has grown stronger since the incident.

Authorities arrested the man who allegedly fired the shot in Sumter County. He faces a charge of culpable negligence causing injury.

(FOX NEWS)