California Man Dies in Christmas Day Fire After Saving Family and Searching for Engagement Ring

Steven Weatherford Jr., 37, lost his life after rescuing relatives from a house fire in Oakland and returning to retrieve a ring for a planned New Year’s Eve proposal.

Steven Weatherford Jr., 37, died in a house fire on Christmas morning in Oakland after ensuring his father, aunt, and brother safely escaped the burning home.
Weatherford returned to the house to retrieve an engagement ring he planned to use to propose to his girlfriend, LaShante Mayo, on New Year’s Eve.
Firefighters found Weatherford unconscious inside the home, with officials stating he likely succumbed to smoke inhalation.
The fire, which authorities believe was accidental, started early on December 25 and was extinguished within 30 minutes by Oakland Fire Department crews.
A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $16,000 to support Weatherford’s family with funeral expenses and other immediate financial needs.