Bay Area Man Found Dead Near Levi's Stadium After Going Missing on Super Bowl Sunday

Thomas Simpkins' body discovered in creek next to 49ers' stadium a week after he disappeared.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Thomas Simpkins, a 44-year-old Santa Clara resident, went missing on February 8th, the day of the Super Bowl. His body was found a week later in the San Thomas Aquino Creek next to Levi's Stadium, where the Super Bowl was held. Simpkins' family is seeking answers about how he ended up in the creek and why it took so long for authorities to find him.

Why it matters

Simpkins' disappearance and death raise questions about the police response and investigation, as well as concerns about public safety in the area around the 49ers' stadium. The case highlights the challenges families face when a loved one goes missing, especially when authorities may not take the case as seriously as the family would like.

The details

According to Simpkins' sister Brandi Stroud, he went to a friend's barbecue in South San Jose on February 8th, the day of the Super Bowl. After the party, he took an Uber home around 9 p.m. The next day, Simpkins was nowhere to be found, and his 19-year-old son learned he had not shown up for work at the Palo Alto restaurant where he was employed. Stroud and her husband drove from Oregon to the Bay Area, called the police, posted fliers, and searched trails, but the case was bounced between the San Jose and Santa Clara police departments for three days before San Jose took the lead. Simpkins' body was eventually found on February 14th in the creek next to Levi's Stadium.

  • On February 8th, Simpkins went to a friend's barbecue in South San Jose.
  • Around 9 p.m. on February 8th, Simpkins took an Uber home.
  • On February 9th, Simpkins did not show up for work and was reported missing.
  • On February 14th, Simpkins' body was found in the San Thomas Aquino Creek next to Levi's Stadium.

The players

Thomas Simpkins

A 44-year-old Santa Clara resident who went missing on Super Bowl Sunday and was later found dead in a creek near Levi's Stadium.

Brandi Stroud

Simpkins' sister, who drove from Oregon to the Bay Area to search for her brother and call the police after he went missing.

Simpkins' 19-year-old son

Learned that his father had not shown up for work at the Palo Alto restaurant where he was employed.

Santa Clara Police Department

The police department that took over the investigation after Simpkins' body was found.

San Jose Police Department

The police department that initially had the case before it was bounced back and forth between the two neighboring cities.

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What they’re saying

“There was a huge delay. They didn't take my brother's case seriously at all.”

— Brandi Stroud, Simpkins' sister (San Francisco Chronicle)

“I was praying that at least if he didn't come home alive, that we'd find him.”

— Brandi Stroud, Simpkins' sister (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Santa Clara Police Department is continuing its investigation into the cause and manner of Thomas Simpkins' death, with further analysis pending from the medical examiner's office.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for a more coordinated and urgent response from local law enforcement when a person goes missing, as well as the importance of community support and social media in aiding search efforts. It also raises concerns about public safety in the areas surrounding major sporting venues like Levi's Stadium.