A California man who had planned to propose to his girlfriend on New Year's Eve died in a house fire while searching for a ring on Christmas Day.
Oakland Fire Department officials said firefighters were called to the scene around 6:15 a.m. Wednesday and later found Stephen Weatherford Jr. unconscious inside the home.
They said he likely died from the smoke.
Family members have identified the victim who died in an Oakland house fire on Christmas morning as 37-year-old Stephen Weatherford Jr.
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“Steve was truly the best person I've ever met. He loved his family, his friends, everyone. He died trying to get them out of the house,” Weatherford's girlfriend said. , LaChante Mayo told FOX 2 while standing outside the burn site. house.
Authorities said the fire was “accidental” and that Weatherford, who was visiting his Oakland home to celebrate the holidays, rescued his father, aunt and brother before going back inside to look for something.
Family members have identified the victim who died in an Oakland house fire on Christmas morning as 37-year-old Stephen Weatherford Jr.
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Weatherford returned to save the engagement ring that was in the safe, the family said. According to Fox2. Weatherford recently bought a ring for his girlfriend and was planning to propose on New Year's Eve.
“He was going to propose,” Mayo said. “I didn't know, I was told this morning…I had given up on love until I met him.”
Officials did not immediately confirm to Fox News whether the ring survived the fire.
Family members have identified the victim who died in an Oakland house fire on Christmas morning as 37-year-old Stephen Weatherford Jr.
made by neighbors gofundme A campaign to help families with their immediate financial needs and memorial expenses. As of Thursday afternoon, nearly $10,000 in donations had been raised.
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Fundraisers point out that Mr Weatherford's father, who lost his son and home in the fire, is still grieving the recent loss of his wife.
GoFundMe organizers did not immediately respond to FOX News' request for comment.
Fox 2 San Francisco's Aja Seldon, Jesse Gary and Sami Mamou contributed to this story.
