A California family is mourning the loss of 44-year-old Thomas Simpkins, a father who disappeared after attending a Super Bowl gathering in San Jose and was later found dead near Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
Simpkins was last seen on the evening of Feb. 8 after celebrating the big game at a barbecue with friends just a few miles from the stadium. According to his sister, Brandi Stroud, he left the gathering around 9 p.m. and took an Uber back to his home in Santa Clara.
Me and my brother text messaged a lot, I had talked to him on Feb. 8 before he had went to this barbecue.
He reportedly told his sister he planned to return home and relax. However, after arriving back at his residence, he was not heard from again.
Body found near Levi’s Stadium after six-day search
Concern grew the following day when Simpkins failed to show up for his shift at a Palo Alto restaurant where he worked. His 19-year-old son, Tyler, went to the restaurant to check on him and, after confirming his absence, filed a missing persons report.
Stroud, who lives in Oregon, traveled to the Bay Area to assist in the search. For several days, the family had no information about Simpkins’ whereabouts – until a stranger sent Stroud a link to police scanner audio.
Authorities had reportedly discovered human remains in the San Tomas Aquino Creek behind Levi’s Stadium on Feb. 14, nearly a week after Simpkins vanished.
I wasn’t aware that there had even been a body to be recovered behind Levi’s Stadium until some random lady on Facebook sent me a link.
Officials later confirmed the body was Simpkins. According to Stroud, his cellphone and wallet were missing when he was found. Law enforcement has not released an official cause of death, and authorities have indicated that results from further investigation could take up to four months.
Stroud told the San Francisco Chronicle that police are examining the case as a possible homicide. She also expressed frustration with what she described as delays in the early stages of the investigation.
“There was a huge delay,” she said. “They didn’t take my brother’s case seriously at all.”
Eventually, the San Jose Police Department assumed responsibility for the investigation.
Family seeks answers and community support for the Simpkins
Simpkins’ loved ones are now left grappling with unanswered questions – particularly how he ended up near the stadium, where more than 70,000 fans had gathered earlier that day.
On a GoFundMe page created to support funeral and transportation expenses, the family described him as “a deeply loved son, brother, husband, father, and friend.”
“His kindness, strength, and unwavering love for his family touched everyone who knew him,” the message reads. “Our family is devastated and still trying to process this loss.”
Funds raised will help bring Simpkins back to Redding, California, where he will be laid to rest alongside family members.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support, love, and compassion during this painful time,” the family added. “We are forever grateful.”
As investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding his death, Simpkins’ family hopes for clarity – and justice.
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