A 20-year-old McDonald’s employee who suffered severe third-degree burns after a coworker allegedly threw hot cooking oil on him has spoken publicly from his hospital bed.
Jacob Smith is being treated at a Sacramento hospital following the May 30 incident, which happened during his shift at the fast-food restaurant. The attack left him badly scalded and facing a long recovery.
Authorities say the worker accused in the case, 23-year-old Jalani Bluett, was initially the subject of an at-risk missing-person alert issued by the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office. He was arrested the following day.
Bluett now faces charges including causing bodily injury, battery and assault with a deadly weapon, according to officials.
As he continues to recover, Smith has shared a brief but emotional update in a TikTok video posted by his fiancée. Speaking from his hospital bed, he thanked those who have rallied around him since the incident.
“I just want to say I’m very, very thankful for everyone who’s supported me and loved me through this process,” Smith said.
‘It’s been very, very painful. Definitely one of the hardest things in my life to get through.’
Smith said he was overwhelmed with gratitude for all those who shared and donated to his GoFundMe, which his mother set up to help pay for medical expenses, lost income and essentials as he recovers in the hospital.
Jacob Smith suffered severe burns on a significant portion of his body after one of his coworkers allegedly assaulted him with hot cooking oil during their shift at McDonald’s
Jalani Bluett, 23, allegedly tossed the oil at Jacob and fled the restaurant before law enforcement arrived. He has been charged with causing bodily injury, battery, and assault with a deadly weapon
Smith said in a recent online video that the last few weeks have been ‘very, very painful,’ adding, it’s ‘definitely one of the hardest things in my life to get through’
‘I’m extremely blessed, and I feel like one of the luckiest people on Earth. I thank everyone for helping me feel that way and just helping me get through this. It was extremely difficult, but you guys made it feel easy,’ he added.
Smith suffered severe burns to his face, arm and back. He was rushed to the hospital following the alleged assault and is now undergoing a painful recovery process, his mother, Amber, wrote in the description of his GoFundMe.
‘At just 20 years old, Jacob has worked hard to build a future for himself. He is engaged to be married and has always been responsible, hardworking and committed to those he loves,’ Amber continued.
The ‘unexpected tragedy’ comes as a ‘major setback’ for Jacob during a time ‘when he should be looking forward to building his life and planning his future,’ the fundraiser said.
‘As his mother, it broke my heart when he looked at me and said, “Why would he do this to me?”‘ She added.
Smith’s fiancée, Dulce, shared a video tribute to him on TikTok, writing that ‘even when the worst thing that has ever happened happened to him, he continues to smile and be positive.’
Jacob’s fiancée, Dulce, shared a video tribute to him, praising him for continuing ‘to smile and be positive’
Smith’s family has set up a GoFundMe for him while he recovers in the hospital. The funds are intended for medical expenses, lost income and essentials
Jacob’s mother, Amber, wrote in the GoFundMe description, ‘It broke my heart when he looked at me and said, “Why would he do this to me?”
While recovering in the hospital, Smith has undergone multiple surgeries, including a skin graft.
As Smith recovers from the alleged attack, Bluett is in custody at the Sutter County Jail. He has not been given bail, according to jail records.
Police have not released a motive for the attack. It is unclear if Bluett has retained an attorney, and he has yet to enter a plea for the charges against him.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Smith’s family for additional comment.
