Avinash Kuna, a 32-year-old software engineer from Visakhapatnam drowned in a lake during his birthday celebrations. Kuna had gone to the US to pursue his MS five years back. He was working as a Senior Systems Programmer for United Parcel Service. On his birthday, Kuna took 8 of his friends to Lake Hopatcong on a rental boat ride. Kuna enjoys the activity and also has a license.

During the celebration, Kuna jumped into the water but wasn’t able to come back up due to his legs getting tangled in the 3 feet high weeds. His friends tried to help him but they were not able to pull him out of the water. Jay Mayeti who tried to rescue his friend was able to drown himself. He said: “But my life jacket came off, and then I was about to drown when my friends pulled me out. In the five seconds that took, we lost him.” They then called Bridge Marina and 911 for help but it was too late.

Kuna’s mother was devastated on hearing the news and needed to be hospitalized. His friends have started a GoFundMe account to help raise money for the family. Kuna’s body will be brought to Visakhapatnam on Thursday.