A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded on Christmas Day when 37-year-old Steven Weatherford Jr., an American man from Antioch, California, died in a house fire while searching for an engagement ring.
Weatherford had been planning to propose to his girlfriend, LaShante Mayo, on New Year’s Eve.
The fire broke out at around 6:15 a.m. on December 25 in the 3500 block of Oak Knoll Boulevard in Oakland.
Firefighters were called to the scene and, upon entering the home, discovered Weatherford unconscious inside.
His family later confirmed his identity, and reports indicated that he had been searching for the engagement ring when he was overcome by smoke and flames.
LaShante Mayo, Weatherford’s girlfriend, was devastated by the loss and shared that she had no idea he was planning to propose.
“He was truly the best person you could ever meet,” Mayo told reporters, her voice breaking with emotion. “He loved his family, his friends, everybody so much.”
The fire occurred while Weatherford was visiting his father, Steven Weatherford Sr., in Oakland. The elder Weatherford’s home was engulfed by the blaze, which his neighbors later described as accidental.
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According to a GoFundMe campaign set up for the family, Weatherford Jr. had been trying to ensure that everyone else in the house was safe, possibly unaware that his family members had exited through the back. Tragically, he was unable to escape in time.
Weatherford’s aunt, Eunice Smith, shared that family members heard Weatherford calling for help and screaming but were unable to reach him in time.
The Oakland Fire Department later confirmed that the fire appeared to be accidental, though the cause remains under investigation.
A community is now rallying around Weatherford’s family, who are left grappling with the loss of a man full of love and promise.
His tragic death has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a joyful moment for him and his girlfriend in just a few days.