Woman Recovers Engagement Ring 14 Months After Her 5-Year-Old Son Flushed It Down The Toilet

Jun 01, 2023

A California woman has been reunited with her lost engagement ring more than a year after it was accidentally flushed down the toilet by her 5-year-old son. The story, filled with suspense and perseverance, highlights the extraordinary efforts made by the city's Public Works Department to recover the precious item.

It all began in March 2022 when Yana Glass contacted the city for assistance after her young son, in a moment of curiosity, dropped her engagement ring into the toilet. The boy's stepfather, John Glass, recalled his surprise when he heard the unmistakable sound of a flushing toilet early that morning. Little did he know that this innocent act would set in motion an incredible search and recovery mission.

Yana believed that her son got curious about the shiny ring, which was in the bathroom, and then dropped it on the toilet when he looked at it. The child probably didn't want to tell his parents, so he did what he thought was the next best thing, which was to "hide his crime," the mother told Inside Edition. 

John recalled that he tried to retrieve the ring after borrowing a few pieces of plumbing equipment to dismantle the toilets and scour the pipes. Despite his efforts, the ring remained elusive, so the couple sought the help of the professionals. 

However, even the plumbing experts were unable to retrieve the engagement ring because it could cause significant damage to the home. Undeterred, the Glass family turned to the Chino Hills Public Works Department for help. 

The city's sanitation staff employed a sewer inspection truck and thoroughly searched the sewer mainline. Unfortunately, their search came up empty, leaving the couple disheartened but not defeated. 

Determined to move forward, the couple decided to purchase a new ring and proceeded with their wedding plans just two months later. Life moved on, but the memory of the lost ring lingered.

Then, 14 months later, in May 2023, a stroke of luck brought their story to an unexpected climax. During routine maintenance on the sewer line, a diligent public works crew stumbled upon the missing ring more than 400 feet from the Glass family's home. 

The crew, which included employees Tony Ochoa and Christopher Sambrano, remembered the couple and their lost ring from the previous year, making the discovery all the more meaningful.

"He's hydro-jetting and I am with a screen looking at the debris coming and told him, 'Chris! Chris! Stop! Stop the water because I think the ring is there," Ochoa excitedly recalled the moment, per ABC7. 

The Public Works Department ensured the ring was thoroughly cleaned before returning it to the delighted couple. Yana expressed her heartfelt gratitude.

"I am so, so grateful to the guys for remembering about us, for their dedication and hard work and kindness because if it wasn't for them, we would not have it," Yana said. 

Her son, now 6 years old, who unwittingly started the whole adventure, may have learned a valuable lesson. However, his stepfather said he would not let him forget this engagement ring story. 

"I plan to tell this story at his wedding someday," he said.

This extraordinary tale serves as a reminder that sometimes, against all odds, even the most precious things can find their way back to people. 

Does this heartwarming story reminds you of the power of perseverance and kindness? It's also a lesson in teaching your children about responsibility and accountability. Pass this story along to someone who may need a dose of positivity in their life!