New Yorkers came to the rescue of a South Carolina man, Chasmon Wilson, who accidentally dropped his $1,600 engagement ring down a sidewalk grate in Times Square while proposing to his girlfriend of eight years, Kayla Pressley. Wilson had initially planned to propose at One Vanderbilt, but got nervous due to the crowds and decided to propose in Times Square instead. Pressley had no idea that this was the big day, and she missed the ring slip as she was putting down their umbrellas.
Despite feeling devastated and thinking they would never get the ring back, Wilson flagged down a Consolidated Edison truck passing by. Elvimar Rivas, a senior analyst at Con Ed, helped them determine where the ring had fallen and reached out to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to come up with a plan to rescue the ring. A crew of five was sent to survey the situation, and another crew of five retrieved the ring overnight. Wilson, Pressley, and their children returned home to Roebuck, SC, while the rescue mission was being undertaken.
Rivas was determined to help Wilson recover the ring, and his efforts paid off when the ring was successfully retrieved. By the time the ring arrived in South Carolina, Wilson had already bought another ring and proposed to Pressley in a different location atop Stone Mountain in Cleveland, SC. Pressley, a registered nurse, said yes to Wilson’s proposal, and they both believe that the engagement happened the way it was supposed to according to God’s timing. Pressley plans to keep both engagement rings as sentimental mementos of their unique proposal story.
Wilson is taking a backseat when it comes to wedding planning to avoid any further mishaps on their special day, which is set for May 24, 2025. The couple is grateful for the help and support they received from the people of New York City and the crews who worked to retrieve the engagement ring. Rivas, in particular, was touched by the experience of helping the couple, stating that it made his whole year to be able to assist in such a meaningful way. The couple’s story is a testament to the kindness and resilience of people who come together in times of need to help others in unexpected situations.
Despite the initial setback and moment of panic, Wilson and Pressley’s engagement story has turned into a heartwarming tale of love, perseverance, and faith. The couple’s unexpected journey to retrieve the engagement ring from a Times Square sidewalk grate has brought them closer together and strengthened their bond. They now look forward to their wedding day with even more appreciation for each other and the love and support they have received along the way. The unlikely chain of events that led to their engagement is a reminder that even in the midst of mishaps and unexpected challenges, there is always hope and a silver lining waiting to be discovered.
