Three Kansas City Chiefs fans were tragically found frozen to death in the backyard of their friend's home after watching their favorite football team play their last game of the regular season.
David Harrington, 37, Ricky Johnson, 38, and Clayton McGeeney, 36, had gathered at a friend's residence on Sunday (January 7) to watch the game, but the men's bodies were discovered two days later at the NW 83rd Terrace home, after one man's fiancée requested a welfare check.
One body was found on the back porch of the home, with the other two discovered in the backyard, having succumbed to the extreme cold, as reported by Fox News Digital.
Captain Jake Becchina of the Kansas City Police Department emphasized to the publication that the shocking case is "100% NOT being investigated as a homicide".
"There have not been any arrests [or] charges, and no one is in custody. There are no specific threats or concerns for the surrounding community at this time," Becchina continued. "The resident at the house was cooperative with detectives the day the deceased were discovered."
According to The Independent, Jordan Willis - the owner of the home where the men were found - went to bed and did not know that his friends had passed away until cops showed up on January 9 and eventually discovered the remains.
John Picerno, an attorney for Willis, alleged that the men seemingly died by hypothermia - although a cause and manner of death have not been confirmed pending an autopsy. The low temperature on game day was 29 degrees and the temperature remained below freezing over the next two days, per USA Today.
Picerno also shared that it was bizarre how the three bodies went undiscovered for two days, adding: "Jordan had absolutely nothing to do with their deaths," per a statement to the outlet.
"He does not know the timing or manner of their deaths, nor does he know how or when they exited his house. He had no knowledge that they remained in his back yard, or that they needed medical attention," he added.
In addition to this, the attorney claimed that the homeowner was unaware that loved ones had been trying to find his three missing friends and alleged that Willis didn't notice that two vehicles that belonged to his friends were parked on his street.
"Two people came to his house; however, he did not hear them as he sleeps with earbuds and a loud fan," Picerno added. "One of those people, the wife of one of the deceased, tried to reach him via Facebook messenger, unfortunately, he did not see the message until after the police contacted him."
Clayton, one of the three victims, was described as someone who enjoyed motorcycling and traveling the country, according to his grieving cousin Alan McGeeney in an interview for The Kansas City Star.
Alan also revealed that his late relative was turning his life around following problems with traffic violations and child support, saying: "He was on a good path. He cared about that."
A GoFundMe has been established on behalf of Clayton's fiancée April by Stasia McGeeney, and the description reads: "April now has expenses related to the funeral as well as the stress from going from a dual income household to a single income.
"Clayton was a subcontractor for a small construction company and work was slow at the time of his death. Please help us show her love and support during this difficult and sad time in her life," they added.
David's heartbroken mother, Jennifer Marquez, revealed to WDAF that learning about the death of her beloved son was the most devastating moment of her life.
"It’s a huge loss. He’s everything. He’s a brother, he has a sister, Carmen, and a brother, Sebastian. They’re missing him, and they are broken-hearted they will never see their brother again," she said.
Jennifer told The Kansas City Star that the late man brought light into everyone's lives, and also organized a memorial fund to pay for his funeral expenses.
"I miss my son very much. I have no words on how much he meant to everybody, to myself, to his sister. To his brother and to all of his many many friends. And I'm praying that people out there can understand that anything they can do would be of great help right now and appreciated," she wrote in the description.
Lastly, the third victim, Ricky Johnson, was described by his niece Stephanie Walling as an "adored father to his three beautiful daughters" and "a cherished son, brother, uncle, and friend".
In a GoFundMe for her uncle, Walling heartfully wrote: "During this incredibly difficult time, we appeal to anyone who is able and willing to assist with the expenses for the funeral services, for which we would be endlessly appreciative. Any funds received beyond the funeral costs will be provided as support for his daughters."
A Kansas City Police Department spokesperson disclosed in an email to PEOPLE that the department is still awaiting the medical examiner’s ruling.
Our thoughts continue to be with the family and friends of all three victims.
