Mysterious Death of California Man Found Near Super Bowl Venue
The body of a California man who vanished after attending a Super Bowl viewing party has been discovered in a creek adjacent to the game's stadium, leaving his family in anguish and authorities scrambling for answers. Thomas Simpkins, a 44-year-old resident of Santa Clara, was reported missing after he failed to return home from a barbecue in San Jose on February 8, where he had planned to watch Super Bowl LX.
Discovery and Investigation Details
Santa Clara police confirmed that Simpkins' body was found on February 14 in San Tomas Aquino Creek, which runs alongside Levi's Stadium, the venue for the recent Super Bowl. The cause of death remains undetermined, with a medical examiner's inquiry potentially taking several months to complete. Police have launched an active investigation into the circumstances surrounding his mysterious demise.
Simpkins did not attend the actual Super Bowl game, but his connection to the event has raised perplexing questions. According to his sister, Brandi Stroud, he texted her after the game, stating he was going to take an Uber home and relax for the evening. When he did not show up for work the next day, his 19-year-old son filed a missing persons report.
Family's Desperate Search for Answers
In the days following his disappearance, Stroud traveled from Oregon to assist in the search efforts. The family distributed flyers and made urgent appeals on social media platforms. Stroud learned about the discovery of a body in the creek through a message from a stranger on Facebook, later confirmed to be her brother.
Mysteriously, Simpkins' cell phone and wallet were missing when his body was recovered. The area around San Tomas Aquino Creek was under surveillance during and after the Super Bowl, yet no footage or explanations have emerged regarding how he ended up in the water. Stroud expressed disbelief, telling NBC Bay Area, "I don't believe that my brother just decided to throw himself into a creek. I don't have any answers when it comes down to really what happened to him."
Personal Background and Family Efforts
Simpkins was undergoing a divorce at the time of his death and is survived by his biological son and three stepchildren. The family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses, nearly reaching their $14,000 goal as of last Saturday. Stroud highlighted the emotional toll, noting their frequent text communications and the sudden void left by his absence.
Authorities have not released additional details, leaving the investigation ongoing. The case continues to baffle both the family and law enforcement, as they seek to unravel the events that led to Simpkins' tragic end in the waters near one of sports' most iconic venues.
