Man dies in Christmas fire while saving engagement ring

A California man was about a week away from proposing to his girlfriend. So when a fire broke out in their house on Christmas Day, Steven Weatherford Jr. tried everything he could to get back the engagement ring he hid from his bae. Sadly, the 37-year-old man died while searching the house.

What happened in the California Christmas Day fire

According to KTVUStephen saved his family from the flames but remained behind the ring. His folks told the outlet he had planned to ask LaChante Mayo to be his bride on New Year's Eve. Steven was at the home owned by his father Weatherford Sr. in Oakland when the fire started. Authorities received the call around 6:15 a.m. on Christmas Day.

His aunt Eunice Smith, reportedly said to KGO that Steven Weatherford Jr. is also “trying to save everyone” by making sure the house is clear. However, she added that he may not have known that they all went out the back. Smith said her other nephew called Stephen to come out of the house and family members heard the 37-year-old scream. “…He never made it,” Smith said.

Firefighters found Stephen's unconscious body in the house. At this time, the Oakland Fire Department ruled the house fire accidental.

Loved ones and neighbors describe Steven Weatherford Jr.

Neighbors of the affected family started work GoFundMe campaign help the family with some financial relief. The campaign says the Weatherfords have lived in the neighborhood for more than 40 years and that Stephen's younger mother died just a few years ago.

“During this time of unimaginable grief, as their neighbors and many others in our neighborhood who wanted to do something, we created this GoFundMe on behalf of Steve and his family. This has been set up to help cover immediate financial needs and the cost of Steve Jr's memorial service. The family will receive 100% of your donation. No one should have to carry the weight of such grief alone, especially during the holidays. Every donation, no matter how small, will greatly ease their burden and help them honor Steve Jr.'s memory.

Steven Weatherford's youngest girlfriend, LaChante, called him “the best person” anyone could ever meet. “He loved his family so much, his friends, everybody,” Mayo said. Little did she know that he had planned to propose. It is unclear whether firefighters were able to recover the engagement ring.

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