A California family is mourning the loss of Thomas Simpkins, a 44-year-old father, whose body was discovered near Levi’s Stadium six days after he went missing following a Super Bowl gathering. He was remembered as “a deeply loved son, brother, husband, father, and friend,” by his heartbroken family.
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Simpkins attended a friend’s barbecue in San Jose on 8 February to celebrate the Super Bowl. According to his sister, Brandi Stroud, he left the party around 9 p.m. local time to return home, but he never arrived for work the following day. His 19-year-old son subsequently reported him missing, sparking a desperate search for him.
In an interview, Stroud mentioned that she had communicated with her brother before he attended the barbecue. “We text messaged a lot,” she told NBC Bay Area. The family remained hopeful that Thomas would return home safely, but their optimism turned to despair when days passed without any news.
On 14 February, just days after his disappearance, authorities confirmed that Simpkins’ body had been located in San Tomas Aquino Creek, a body of water situated approximately six miles from his residence. This revelation came as a devastating blow to his family, who had been anxiously awaiting news.
In a heartfelt tribute on GoFundMe, the family expressed their sorrow over the sudden loss of Simpkins. “It is with heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of our beloved Tommy,” they wrote, highlighting his kindness and the love he had for his family, which had left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. Simpkins is survived by his wife, Claudia, three stepchildren, and his biological son.
Stroud recounted the moment she learned of her brother’s passing, explaining that she was alerted by a woman on Facebook who shared a link regarding the recovery of a body near Levi’s Stadium. After contacting the medical examiner, she identified her brother, who had a significant tattoo of his last name across his back.
The circumstances surrounding Simpkins’ death remain unclear. Stroud expressed her disbelief that her brother would have taken his own life or willingly entered the creek. “When he got home, we have no idea who picked him up or how he got all the way to Levi’s Stadium,” she stated, revealing her deep frustration with the lack of answers surrounding his passing.
Before her brother was found, Stroud voiced concerns regarding the handling of his missing person case, claiming there was a significant delay attributed to jurisdictional issues. She felt that law enforcement did not take her brother’s disappearance seriously. “I was praying that at least if he didn’t come home alive, that we’d find him,” she lamented, emphasizing that the uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of Simpkins’ death was causing profound grief for her family.
In light of the tragedy, the San Jose Police Department acknowledged the profound emotional impact on the family during such a distressing time. They conveyed their understanding of the fear and frustration experienced when a loved one is missing, stating that “at no point was this case dismissed or ignored.”
As the investigation into Thomas Simpkins’ death unfolds, the Santa Clara Police Department, which has since taken over the inquiry, affirmed their commitment to following established protocols and investigative procedures, insisting that the case was taken seriously from the outset.
As the Simpkins family grapples with their loss, they continue to seek clarity about what led to Thomas’ tragic fate. The mystery surrounding his death underscores the profound impact of his absence on those who loved him. As the community rallies around this grieving family, questions linger, and the pursuit of truth remains a priority for those left behind.