Arrowhead Death a Homicide, Police Confirm
The death of a man in the Arrowhead Stadium parking lot has been ruled a homicide by officials, who say that it could possibly take weeks before they know what actually killed him.
Kyle Van Winkle, 30, was found unconscious on the ground of the parking lot. Police have managed to put together a sort of timeline of events leading up to his death. Van Winkle reportedly left the game early and went to the parking lot. He then got into a Jeep that looked similar to the one he arrived at the game in. Some type of struggle ensued, though police believe the Jeep's owner was not involved.
"He collapsed during the struggle and was found to be not breathing," police spokesman Tye Grant told ABC News. "That's when a person began doing CPR on him."
Van Winkle was pronounced dead at the hospital, and the coroner declared that the death was a homicide but noted that it would take several weeks before he could know exactly what caused the death. There was a small amount of blood found at the scene, but Van Winkle's body showed no obvious signs of trauma.
The death has left his family completely shaken and searching for answers.
"That's what's so painful," Dean Van Winkle, Kyle's father and a police sergeant told The Kansas City Star. "I can't tell you how many times I've second-guessed myself. I wish I would have gone with him."
Van Winkle leaves behind his wife and seven-week-old son. His father said that he absolutely loved being a father and regrets that his grandson will never get to experience the joy of having his dad around.
"He was great in the seven weeks he had. He would have been a fantastic father," Dean said. "And now he's gone."
Police have interviewed four people in connection with the case, and three have been released. One man, age 24, has declined to cooperate with detectives. They have not released any of the men's names given that they have not been charged with any crime.
"We're still putting together the pieces of the puzzle," Sgt. Martin Cobbinah said. "We know there are still people out there who witnessed this who haven't come forward."
Anyone with information is asked to call the homicide unit at 816-234-5043.
