Midas mechanic finds diamond ring lost for 6 years

Charlene Sakoda

An engagement ring that was lost in Richmond, Virginia in 2007, was recently found by a mechanic in Greenville, South Carolina. As reported by , the ring was recovered by Midas auto technician, Brandon Estell, during a service of a Honda Accord hybrid.

Leslie Tiller's diamond engagement ring was lost in 2007 and recently found. (WHNS)
Leslie Tiller's diamond engagement ring was lost in 2007 and recently found. (WHNS)

Brandon needed to take out the back seat of the vehicle so he could disconnect the system, and that’s when he made the big find. The mechanic told the station that he does find things when removing car seats but, "Usually it’s like loose change, or you know, maybe a dollar bill or two, but nothing, nothing like an engagement ring.”

Brandon Estell (WHNS)
Brandon Estell (WHNS)

Brandon placed the ring in the cup holder and told the car’s owner, Jacob Hickman. Jacob recalled, "I was completely confused, but he said they found it during the service. ‘Merry Christmas,' is what he told me. I drove off and could not understand or think about why on this earth would there be a diamond ring in my car.”

Jacob Hickman at the Midas shop where the ring was discovered. (WHNS)
Jacob Hickman at the Midas shop where the ring was discovered. (WHNS)

After racking his brain, he realized that the ring belonged to Leslie Tiller, the wife of his college friend, Adam Tiller. It was in 2007 that Jacob and his wife drove Adam and Leslie, Adam’s fiancé at the time, home from a wedding. Leslie told WHNS, “I had taken it off. I was trying to clean it. I thought it had just fallen in my lap, so I didn’t, I wasn’t alarmed. I just, you know thought, ‘Oh, when we pull in the driveway, I’ll find it.’” But when the ring could not be found, the couple got a replacement ring and married a month later.

Adam and Leslie Tiller (WHNS)
Adam and Leslie Tiller (WHNS)

Jacob gave his friend Adam the long lost ring and Adam decided to wrap it up and give it to Leslie on Christmas. “This is by far the most magical Christmas I've ever had. I never thought I'd see that ring again," said Leslie. The Hickmans and the Tillers are grateful for Brandon’s sharp eyes and honesty. "I had no idea it was going to be this big, so I feel really good. I'm glad that I could help these guys out and make their Christmas a little more special than usual," said Brandon.

Leslie Tiller's reaction when she learned the long lost ring had been found. (WHNS/Adam Tiller)
Leslie Tiller's reaction when she learned the long lost ring had been found. (WHNS/Adam Tiller)

Video and more info: WHNS