As investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding his death, those closest to Thomas Simpkins are choosing to focus on the life he lived — and the family he leaves behind.

Relatives describe Simpkins as a devoted father whose world centered around his children. He is survived by his 19-year-old son and three stepchildren, all of whom, family members say, he embraced as his own. Friends recall a man who worked hard, showed up consistently, and remained deeply involved in his children’s lives despite personal challenges.

At the time of his death, Simpkins was in the process of going through a divorce — a transition that loved ones say had been emotionally difficult but one he was navigating with determination and a continued commitment to his family responsibilities.

In the wake of the tragedy, relatives have created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and transport his remains to Redding, California, where they plan to lay him to rest. Organizers of the fundraiser say the goal is not only to ease the financial burden but also to ensure he is buried close to extended family and lifelong connections.

For those who knew him best, the headlines and investigations do not define his legacy. Instead, they point to the quieter details: a father supporting a teenage son, a stepfather offering guidance, a man attempting to rebuild his life during a period of profound change.

As the legal and forensic processes move forward, Simpkins’ family says their immediate focus is honoring his memory — and bringing him home.