A Redding family is searching for answers after a loved one was found dead in a creek behind Levi's Stadium last Saturday, with Santa Clara police now leading the investigation. The discovery has left relatives trying to figure out how he ended up there while they work to bring him home for burial.
Family identifies the man
According to Action News Now, Brandi Stroud identified the deceased as her brother, Tommy Simpkins, after a woman on social media reached out to the family and pointed to one of his distinctive tattoos. The outlet reports that Simpkins was last seen leaving a barbecue in San Jose on Feb. 8 and that his body was found in a creek behind Levi's Stadium on Saturday. Authorities say the cause of death is still under investigation.
Fundraiser to bring him home
The family has started a GoFundMe campaign to cover transportation and funeral costs so Simpkins can be laid to rest in Redding. As explained on the GoFundMe, donations will go toward moving his remains back home and paying for burial expenses.
Police asking for tips
Santa Clara police are handling the case and are asking anyone with information to contact the department at 408-615-4700, according to Action News Now. Investigators say Simpkins's wallet and phone were missing when he was found, and detectives are working to reconstruct his movements in the days before he disappeared.
Family still looking for answers
Relatives say they are frustrated that basic questions about Simpkins's final hours remain unanswered and credit social media for surfacing leads that helped find him. They are hoping that tips from the public, or footage from nearby cameras, will give investigators what they need to figure out what happened.
