A man died on Christmas Day while trying to save his wedding ring

A man from California stayed about a week later to propose to his girlfriend. So when their house caught fire on Christmas Day, Stephen Weatherford Jr did everything he could to get back the wedding ring he hid from his girlfriend. Unfortunately, a 37-year-old man died during the house search.

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What happened during the Christmas fire in California

According to KTVUStephen saved his family from the flames but remained in the ring. His family said he planned to ask Lachante Mayo to be his bride on New Year’s Eve. Stephen was at his father Weatherford Sr.’s home in Oakland when the fire started. Authorities received a call around 6:15 a.m. on Christmas Day.

His aunt, Eunice Smith, reports KGA that Steven Weatherford Jr. also “tried to save everyone” by making sure the house was clean. However, she added that he may not have known that they had all come out from behind. Smith said her other nephew called Stephen out of the house and that family members heard the 37-year-old scream. “…He never got out,” Smith said.

Firefighters eventually found Stephen’s body unconscious inside the home. At that time, the Oakland Fire Department ruled the house fire accidental.

Loved ones and neighbors describe Steven Weatherford Jr

Neighbors of the injured family started it a GoFundMe campaign to help the family with some financial relief. The company claims the Weatherfords have lived next door for more than 40 years and that Stephen Jr.’s mother died just a few years ago.

“During this time of unimaginable grief, we, as their neighbors and many others in our area who wanted to do something, have created this GoFundMe on behalf of Steve and his family. This was created to help cover Steve Jr.’s immediate financial needs and funeral expenses. The family will receive 100% of your donation. No one should have to bear the burden of such grief alone, especially during the holidays. Every donation, no matter how small, will go a long way in easing their burden and helping to honor Steve Jr.’s memory.”

Steven Weatherford Jr.’s girlfriend, LaChant, called him “the best person” you could ever meet. “He really loved his family, his friends, everybody,” Mayo said. She didn’t know he was planning to propose. It is not yet clear if firefighters were able to recover the wedding ring.

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