Kansas City Chiefs fans’ cause of death revealed after being found frozen in friend’s yard

Tragedy Strikes Kansas City Chiefs Fans: A Heartbreaking Story of Friendship, Celebration, and Loss

In January 2024, the Kansas City community was shaken by a devastating discovery that left three families grief-stricken and a city in shock. David Harrington, 37, Clayton McGeeney, 36, and Ricky Johnson, 38—three lifelong friends and ardent Kansas City Chiefs fans—were found unresponsive in the backyard of a friend’s rental home. The trio had gathered just days earlier to celebrate the Chiefs’ thrilling victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, unaware that their joy would turn into a heartbreaking tragedy. A forensic examination later revealed that all three men died from combined toxicity caused by fentanyl and cocaine. Their deaths have sparked a legal case that highlights the dangers of drug use and the complexities of seeking justice for the victims and their loved ones.

The investigation into the deaths led authorities to Jordan Willis and Ivory J. Carson, who were subsequently charged with three counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of delivering a controlled substance. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Willis and Carson appeared in court via video from jail, wearing orange jumpsuits, as they entered not guilty pleas through their legal representatives. Willis’ lawyer, John Picerno, maintained his client’s innocence, while Carson, who is currently without an attorney, plans to apply for a public defender. The case has brought attention to the role of substance supply in tragic incidents and the legal consequences that follow.

The discovery of the bodies was made by McGeeney’s fiancée, April Mahoney, who grew concerned when her partner suddenly disappeared. After finding McGeeney’s red Ford F-150 parked outside Willis’ rental property, Mahoney took the initiative to investigate further. She climbed through a basement window and found one of the deceased on the back patio, prompting her to call the police. Officers arriving at the scene found all three men lifeless in the backyard. Court documents later revealed that Mahoney had shared her concerns about McGeeney’s drug use with authorities, stating that he would often consume alcohol and cocaine. She also mentioned that Willis would frequently supply cocaine to his friends, a detail that became a focal point in the investigation.

As police delved deeper into the case, they uncovered evidence that pointed to a night of Celebration gone horribly wrong. The group of friends had gathered at Willis’ home on January 7, 2024, to watch the Chiefs game, and the evening reportedly involved drinking, smoking marijuana, and using cocaine. Witnesses who attended the party shared that Willis had supplied a large quantity of cocaine, and Carson, known as "Blade Brown," was identified as the source of the drugs. One witness even recalled seeing a large plate of cocaine at Harrington’s home before the group moved to Willis’ house. The investigation also revealed that Carson’s DNA was found on a bag of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and often linked to accidental overdoses.

The Kansas City Police Department dedicated 14 months to investigating the deaths, meticulously gathering evidence and waiting for toxicology results to build a solid case. Police Chief Stacey Graves praised the department’s unwavering commitment to justice, emphasizing that detectives never stopped working on the case. The charges against Willis and Carson are a testament to the department’s diligence and their determination to hold those responsible accountable. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of illicit drug use and the devastating impact it can have on families and communities.

The families of the victims are now left to navigate a complex emotional landscape, seeking answers and closure as they mourn the loss of their loved ones. April Mahoney’s actions that day, driven by love and concern for her fiancé, underscores the human side of this tragedy. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community continues to grapple with the loss of three vibrant lives and the realization that their deaths could have been prevented. This story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the need for awareness about the dangers of substance abuse. The charges brought against Willis and Carson are a step toward justice, but for the families of Harrington, McGeeney, and Johnson, the healing process will take much longer.