A Florida man who said he “thought he was going to die” after being shot in the chest at close range is now being called a walking miracle — after doctors determined that his gold cross necklace may have been the only reason he survived.

The incident unfolded on June 7 at a friend’s apartment in Sumter County. According to investigators, 20-year-old Aiden Perry was with friends when one of them began showing off a .40-caliber pistol. The gun suddenly discharged, firing directly into Perry’s chest in what authorities have described as an accidental shooting.

The bullet tore through Perry’s chest, exited near his armpit, and re-entered his body through his arm, fracturing his humerus bone and leaving him in unbearable pain.

Speaking to Fox 35 Orlando, Perry recalled the horrifying moment: “I looked down I see tons of blood. I thought I was going to die, honestly.”

Dr. Khafra Garcia Henry, one of the surgeons who treated Perry, 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.”

The necklace — a Christmas gift from his father — was shattered in the process, breaking into two pieces. But investigators and doctors alike believe it shifted the bullet’s path just enough to prevent fatal injuries.

Henry stressed how close Perry came to losing his life: “He’s extremely lucky. A very fortunate young individual because if his chain was not there, the outcome would have been completely different.”

For Perry, learning the role the necklace played has only deepened his faith. Holding up the broken cross while speaking with WESH 2, he said: “It’s just kind of a reminder now – to never stop believing… keep believing and God’s definitely real.”

He added: “I look at it as a lifesaver. I probably wouldn’t be talking to you guys right now [without it].”

His father, who had given him the chain, also shared his belief that divine protection kept his son alive that night.

Meanwhile, the man accused of firing the gun has been arrested and is facing charges of culpable negligence causing injury, as the investigation continues.