Mom Was Celebrating Birthday When She Learned Son Was Found Dead with Friends After Chiefs Game, Brother Says

Mar. 15, 2025

Ricky Johnson.Photo:Ricky Johnson/Facebook

Mom Was Celebrating Her Birthday When She Learned Son Was Found Dead 2 Days After Chiefs Game

Ricky Johnson/Facebook

A mom had to learn her son, one of three menfound dead in a friend’s backyardafter a Kansas City Chiefs game, was dead on her birthday, according to the man’s brother.

Clayton McGeeney, Ricky Johnson and David Harrington were found dead on Jan. 9, two days after they watched a Kansas City Chiefs game at friend Jordan Willis’ rental in Kansas City.

Jonathan Price, who shares a mother with Johnson, 38, tells PEOPLE their mother learned of his death that same day, which happened to be her birthday. Price’s mother subsequently informed her son Rusty, who informed Price, 31, the following day.

“That entire week, there [were] no answers…no one knew anything,” says Price.

John Picerno, who is representing Willis, previously told PEOPLE in a statement that his client “is unaware of how his friends died,” and is “anxiously awaiting the results” of the pending autopsy and toxicology report.

Fox affiliateWDAFsubsequently reported that Picerno later told them that Willis went to sleep before the three men left and that there was afifth man at the housethat night. Via an email to PEOPLE on Tuesday, Picerno acknowledged the report and said that individual “left maybe an hour or two before the other three.” WDAF has since reported that the attorney went on to tell them he misspoke and that his client escorted the trio to the door before falling asleep on the couch.

The fifth individual, who remains anonymous, reportedly told WDAF that Willis and the three men were awake when he left the home that evening.

Neither Picerno nor Andrew Talge, who is representing the fifth individual, immediately responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Clayton McGeeney, Ricky Johnson and David Harrington.Facebook (2)

Man Whose 3 Friends Froze to Death In His Backyard After Chiefs Game Had Nothing to Do with Their Deaths, Attorney Says.

Facebook (2)

The Kansas City Police Department previously told PEOPLE officers found the two other bodies in the backyard of Willis’ home upon responding to the scene.

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“I never remember a single time where I fought with my brother, except for whenever I wanted to watchPower Rangersas a kid and he wanted to watch ESPN, because he’s always been [into] everything sports until he had his daughters and then they were his everything,” Price says.

Price adds, “He was a truly selfless person, and I want him to always be remembered as that."

AGoFundMehas been set up to pay for Johnson’s funeral expenses and to help care for his daughters.

source: people.com