37-Year-Old Man From California Dies in a House Fire While Searching for Engagement Ring

Nationwide — Steven Weatherford Jr., a 37-year-old from Oakland, California, tragically died in a house fire on Christmas Day while searching for an engagement ring. He had planned to propose to his girlfriend on New Year’s Eve.

The fire broke out early on December 25th at a home on Oak Knoll Boulevard in Oakland. Weatherford, who lived in Antioch, was visiting family in Oakland when the fire occurred at his father’s home, according to People.

Firefighters found Weatherford unconscious after searching the home. Family members confirmed he had been looking for the ring when he was overcome by smoke and flames.

“He was trying to save everybody, make sure everybody was out of the house. He may not have known they all went out the back,” said Weatherford’s aunt, Eunice Smith. She recounted hearing him scream as they called for him to come out but he didn’t make it out in time.

Weatherford’s girlfriend, LaShante Mayo, remembered him as “truly the best person you could ever meet.” She added, “He loved his family, his friends, everybody so much.”

Mayo said she learned about his proposal plans only after the tragedy.

The fire is believed to be accidental, according to the Oakland Fire Department.