A man from California plans to propose to his girlfriend New Year’s Eve died in a house fire on Christmas Day while searching for the ring.
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene about 6:15 a.m. Wednesday and later found Steven Weatherford Jr. unconscious inside the home, officials said Oakland Fire Department.
They said he probably died as a result of the smoke.
Family members identified the victim killed in a house fire in Oakland on Christmas morning as 37-year-old Steven Weatherford Jr.
Colorado deputies’ daring rescue of two children from a house fire caught on bodycam video
“Steve was truly the best person you could ever meet. He loved his family, his friends, everyone so much. He died trying to get her out of the house,” Weatherford’s friend LaShante Mayo told Fox 2 as she stood outside the burned building home.
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 going inside to look for something.
Family members identified the victim killed in a house fire in Oakland on Christmas morning as 37-year-old Steven Weatherford Jr.
Texas father set fire to house with three children inside: police
The family said Weatherford went back to rescue an engagement ring that was in a safe. according to Fox 2. Weatherford recently bought the ring for his girlfriend and planned to propose on New Year’s Eve.
“He wanted to propose,” said Mayo. “I didn’t know, they told me 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 identified the victim killed in a house fire in Oakland on Christmas morning as 37-year-old Steven Weatherford Jr.
The neighborhood created one GoFundMe Campaign to assist the family with immediate financial needs and memorial costs. As of Thursday afternoon, nearly $10,000 in donations had been raised.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
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 Francisco’s Aja Seldon, Jesse Gary and Sami Mamou contributed to this story.
