California Father Found Dead in Ravine After Super Bowl Disappearance
The family of a Bay Area man is demanding answers after his body was discovered in a creek adjacent to Levi's Stadium nearly a week after he vanished on Super Bowl Sunday. Thomas Simpkins, a 44-year-old resident of Santa Clara and father, was found on February 14 in San Tomas Aquino Creek, which flows beside the stadium where the Seattle Seahawks triumphed over the New England Patriots on February 8.
Investigation Launched into Possible Homicide
According to his sister, Brandi Stroud, Simpkins' death is being treated as a potential homicide. She revealed to the San Francisco Chronicle that he leaves behind three stepchildren and one biological son, and was undergoing a divorce at the time of his disappearance. The Santa Clara Police Department has confirmed the case remains an active investigation but has withheld specific details. Meanwhile, the Santa Clara County medical examiner's office has not yet established the cause or manner of death, indicating that further investigation is pending.
Timeline of Events and Family's Search
Stroud informed NBC Bay Area that Simpkins was last seen on the night of the Super Bowl, after attending a barbecue with friends in South San Jose. He reportedly took an Uber home around 9 p.m., intending to unwind after the celebrations, as evidenced by texts shared with his sister. The following day, his 19-year-old son visited the Palo Alto restaurant where Simpkins worked and discovered he had missed his shift. Growing concerned when they could not reach him by phone, the family filed a missing persons report.
Stroud, who resides in Oregon, traveled to the Bay Area to assist in the search for her brother. Despite their efforts, the family initially had no success. She stated that she only learned a body had been recovered in the creek near the stadium after a stranger sent her a link to police scanner audio on Facebook. After contacting the medical examiner's office, she identified her brother by a prominent tattoo of his last name on his back. Authorities later verified the body was found in San Tomas Aquino Creek, approximately six miles from his home. Notably, his phone and wallet were missing when police located him.
Allegations of Investigative Delays
Stroud claimed the case experienced a three-day delay as police departments from neighboring cities passed it back and forth before San Jose police assumed control. "There was a huge delay," she told the SF Chronicle. "They didn't take my brother's case seriously at all." In response, the San Jose Police Department issued a statement to The Independent, explaining that due to multiple jurisdictions involved, agencies coordinated to ensure a thorough and proper investigation. "We understand how incredibly difficult and emotional this situation is for the family. When a loved one is missing, every moment feels critical, and we recognize the fear and frustration that can come with that uncertainty," the statement read. "At no point was this case dismissed or ignored. Both agencies worked to ensure the matter was addressed in accordance with investigative protocols and jurisdictional requirements." Santa Clara police, which led the investigation after the body was found, added in a statement to the SF Chronicle, "This case was not delayed and was investigated with the protocols and investigative steps required."
