A man from California is planning to propose to his girlfriend New Year's Eve He died in a house fire on Christmas Day while searching for the ring.
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene of the fire at about 6:15 a.m. Wednesday and later found Steven Weatherford Jr. unconscious inside the home, according to fire department officials. Oakland Fire Department.
They said he would likely die from the smoke.
Family members have identified the victim killed in an Oakland house fire on Christmas morning as 37-year-old Steven Weatherford Jr.
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“Steve was truly the best person you could ever meet. He loved his family, his friends, everyone so much. He died trying to get them out of the house,” Weatherford's friend, LaShante Mayo, told Fox 2 as she stood outside the burning house. house.
Authorities said the fire was “accidental,” and Weatherford – who was visiting the Oakland home to celebrate the holidays – rescued his father, aunt and brother before returning inside to look for something.
Family members have identified the victim killed in an Oakland house fire on Christmas morning as 37-year-old Steven Weatherford Jr.
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Weatherford returned to rescue the engagement ring that was in the safe, the family said. According to Fox 2. Weatherford recently bought the ring for his girlfriend and was planning to propose to her on New Year's Eve.
“He was going to propose to me, yeah,” Mayo said. “I didn't know, they told me this morning… I gave 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 killed in an Oakland house fire on Christmas morning as 37-year-old Steven Weatherford Jr.
He created District A GoFundMe A campaign to assist the family with immediate financial needs and memorial expenses. As of Thursday afternoon, it had raised nearly $10,000 in donations.
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The fundraiser notes that Weatherford's father, who lost his son and his 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 Fransisco's Aja Seldon, Jesse Gary and Sammy Mamo contributed to this story.
