Steven Weatherford Jr. Dies in Oakland House Fire After Rescuing Family, Attempting to Retrieve Engagement Ring

Dec 25, 2024, 11:56 PM

A 37-year-old man, Steven Weatherford Jr., died in a house fire in Oakland on Christmas morning after successfully rescuing his family. The fire broke out around 6:15 a.m. in the 3500 block of Oak Knoll Boulevard. Weatherford managed to save his father, aunt, and brother from the burning home but went back inside to retrieve an engagement ring he had recently purchased for his girlfriend, intending to propose on New Year's Eve. He was overcome by smoke and found unconscious inside the residence by firefighters. The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental and is under investigation. A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to support the family during this difficult time.