Tragedy struck on Christmas Day when a California man lost his life in a house fire while reportedly trying to retrieve an engagement ring he planned to give his girlfriend on New Year's Eve. Steven Weatherford Jr., 37, was visiting family in Oakland for the holidays when the fire broke out around 6:15 a.m. Wednesday.

Firefighters discovered Weatherford unconscious inside the home. He was pronounced dead at the scene, with smoke inhalation suspected as the cause. No other injuries were reported. According to Weatherford's girlfriend, LaShante Mayo, he had bravely rescued his father, aunt, and brother from the blaze before going back inside for the ring, which was reportedly stored in a safe.

Mayo, speaking outside the burned home, shared her devastation and described Weatherford as an exceptionally kind and loving person. She revealed that she learned about the proposal plan only after the tragedy. Officials have stated the fire was accidental and, as of Thursday, believe the ring has not been recovered.

A GoFundMe page has been established to support the family with immediate financial needs and memorial expenses, especially given that Weatherford's father is now grieving the loss of both his son and home, shortly after the passing of his wife.