SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The San Marcos High School community is mourning the loss of 17-year-old Tayden Tomblin, a senior who tragically died following a skateboarding accident while visiting Los Angeles with his family over the Thanksgiving weekend.
A Tragic Accident During Family Trip
According to friends and family, Tayden suffered fatal injuries in a skateboarding crash last week while the family was on a holiday trip in the Los Angeles area. Despite medical efforts, he passed away shortly after the accident.
Tayden was described by those who knew him as an active, kind, and driven young man who was deeply involved in both academics and athletics at San Marcos High School in Santa Barbara.
Remembering Tayden’s Impact
Dare Holdren, principal of San Marcos High School, expressed the deep grief felt across the campus community.
“There are no words to express the loss of one of our students,” Holdren said in a message to families. “I send my love to each and every one of you, and only ask that you honor Tayden’s memory by continuing to cherish your friends, your family, and yourselves.”
Holdren shared that Tayden was a member of the water polo and swim teams, and also participated in the Entrepreneurship Academy and Culinary Arts Program. “He had an incredibly bright future,” the principal said.
A Final Act of Giving
In a moving tribute, Tayden’s family honored his decision to be an organ donor. On Saturday, dozens of friends, relatives, and hospital staff participated in an Honor Walk from the UCLA intensive care unit to the OneLegacy organ donation center.
“Hospital staff lined the hallways alongside loved ones, filling the space with quiet support as the family took this final walk with Tayden — both a heartbreaking goodbye and a moment to honor the lifesaving gifts his organ donation will bring to others,” the family shared through a public message.
Community Support and Fundraising
Friends of the Tomblin family launched a GoFundMe campaign to support their recovery and memorial efforts. The fundraiser has already surpassed $60,000 as of Monday evening.
“No parent should ever have to walk through this kind of pain,” the GoFundMe page reads. “All contributions will go directly to the Tomblin family to support their immediate needs, provide space for healing, and give them the time they need to honor Tayden’s life.”
The page also reflects the outpouring of love from classmates, teachers, and neighbors who have shared stories of Tayden’s warmth and generosity.
Honoring His Legacy
As the Santa Barbara community mourns the loss of a young life filled with promise, Tayden’s final act of kindness continues to inspire many. His organ donation is expected to save or improve several lives, serving as a lasting reflection of his compassion.
The San Marcos High School administration has encouraged students and families to seek grief counseling and to come together in remembrance of Tayden’s spirit and contributions.
Stay connected with HonkNews.com for updates as the community honors the life and legacy of Tayden Tomblin and supports his family through this difficult time.