Thomas Simpkins went missing after Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, and with his body being found in a creek near Levi's Stadium days later, his family are looking for answers
18:20 ET, 01 Mar 2026Updated 18:23 ET, 01 Mar 2026
Surveillance surrounding Levi's Stadium didn't pick up on where the body may have come from
View 2 Images
Surveillance surrounding Levi's Stadium didn't pick up on where the body may have come from(Image: Getty Images)
The family of a man who was found dead after attending a Super Bowl party is looking for answers.
Last month in Santa Clara, the Seattle Seahawks crushed the New England Patriots to win Super Bowl LX. The NFC West franchise leaned on its tremendous defense to win 29-13, hurrying sophomore quarterback Drake Maye and stifling the Pats' offense throughout the contest.
Article continues below
Throughout the week, numerous parties took place in the area. Thomas Simpkins did not attend the big game, but his body was found back on Feb. 14 in San Tomas Aquino Creek next to Levi’s Stadium — days after the Super Bowl had taken place.
Article continues below
READ MORE: NFL Network reporter becomes a star at Scouting Combine after Super Bowl magicREAD MORE: Shedeur Sanders backs Cleveland Browns trade rumors ahead of starting spot fight
The cause of the 44-year-old’s death remains unclear, and a medical examiner’s inquiry could take several months. While that is being undertaken, police are conducting an active investigation into the mysterious death.
On February 8, Simpkins — according to his sister — attended a barbecue in San Jose, where he planned to watch the football game. However, he went missing shortly after.
“Me and my brother text messaged a lot,” Simpkins’ sister Brandi Stroud told NBC Bay Area. “I had talked to him on February 8 before he had went to this barbecue.”
Simpkins told Stroud that he was going to get an Uber home after the game. But he failed to show up for work the following day, and his 19-year-old son reported him missing.
Sign up to our NFL newsletter here
Thomas Simpkins went missing the night of the Super Bowl, and his body was found less than a week later
View 2 Images
Thomas Simpkins went missing the night of the Super Bowl, and his body was found less than a week later(Image: NBC Bay Area)
In the ensuing days, Stroud drove down from Oregon to assist with the search as her family filed the missing persons report. Flyers were also posted around the area while desperate pleas were shared on social media.
Interestingly, the area surrounding Levi’s Stadium and the creek was under surveillance during and after Super Bowl LX. However, no immediate answers became clear regarding how Simpkins’ body ended up in the creek.
Stroud was eventually contacted by a stranger on Facebook and informed about the discovery of the body in the creek. She told NBC Bay Area that Simpkins’ cell phone and wallet were still missing.
Article continues below
Santa Clara police have not released further details about their investigation. Stroud added: “When he got home, we have no idea who picked him up or how he got all the way to Levi's Stadium. 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.”
Simpkins was reportedly going through a divorce. He leaves behind his biological son and three stepchildren.