Twenty-Year-Old McDonald’s Worker Smiles From Burn ICU Days After Alleged Hot Oil Attack, Saying He Chooses Love Over Anger

Nine days after a horrifying workplace incident left him rushed to a burn ICU, 20-year-old Jacob Smith is showing a small smile that has moved everyone following his recovery.

Jacob, a young McDonald’s shift manager in Yuba City, California, remains hospitalized after suffering severe second-degree burns to his face, neck, shoulders, hands, and back. Authorities say the injuries happened after a coworker allegedly threw scorching hot fryer oil on him following a shift on May 30.

His mother says Jacob’s wound care has been incredibly painful and requires strong medication. Doctors have also scheduled skin graft surgery this week after finding that some burns were deeper than originally hoped.

Before the attack, Jacob had spent years working at the restaurant and was building a future with his fiancée, Dulce. Now, his family is standing by him through a recovery that will take time, strength, and faith.

Authorities have arrested a 23-year-old suspect, who faces charges including assault, mayhem, and battery.

But what Jacob shared from his hospital bed is what has touched so many hearts.

He wrote that as much as he wanted to be angry, it was hard to stay angry when so many people were showing him love. He thanked God for saving his eye, thanked his family for lifting him up, thanked his friends for checking on him, and thanked his fiancée, calling her the most incredible girl he could ever ask for.

His mother said one of the hardest moments came when Jacob looked at her and asked, “Why would he do this to me?”

Even through pain, surgery, and the long road ahead, Jacob is choosing kindness.

He reminded everyone to stay loving and kind, saying that if God can bring something good from his worst situation, He can do it for others too.

Please keep Jacob in your prayers as he continues fighting through recovery.