17-year-old Tayden Tomblin, a senior at San Marcos High School in Santa Barbara, California, tragically died in a skateboarding accident on November 27, 2025, while visiting friends in Los Angeles over Thanksgiving weekend.
Tayden was a standout athlete on the San Marcos Boys Water Polo and Swim teams.
Coaches and teammates remember him as the kid with the biggest smile, endless energy, and a deep love for the ocean.
His playful spirit and genuine kindness touched everyone around him, making him someone everyone felt lucky to know.
On November 30, the San Marcos Boys Aquatics program shared the heartbreaking news on social media:
“It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of San Marcos Senior Tayden Tomblin. Tragically, he lost his life in a skateboarding accident over the weekend and was surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Via Facebook
Tayden was a cherished member of our Water Polo and Swim teams, known for his infectious kindness, playful spirit, and deep love for the ocean. His impact on everyone he met is immeasurable, and he will forever remain in our hearts and memories.”
Tayden is survived by his parents, Tyler and Rosalyn Tomblin, and his sister Hudsyn.
The family was together when the accident happened, and Tayden spent his final moments surrounded by the people who loved him most.
In an incredible act of selflessness, Tayden became an organ donor.
On November 29, more than 50 family members and friends joined the Tomblins for an emotional Honor Walk at UCLA Medical Center.
They walked beside Tayden as he was taken from the ICU to the OneLegacy organ donation center, while hospital staff lined the hallways in quiet respect.
Many who were there described it as one of the most heartbreaking yet beautiful moments they have ever witnessed.
Because of Tayden’s decision, several lives will be saved or forever changed.
A GoFundMe created by close friends has raised tens of thousands of dollars toward its $50,000 goal to help cover medical expenses, funeral costs, and give the family space to grieve without financial stress.
The page reads, in part:
“No parent should ever have to walk through this kind of pain… Our hope is to lift as much financial burden as possible during this heartbreaking time so the family can focus on holding one another up through the darkest days of their lives.”
Via GoFundMe
Friends and community members have flooded social media with memories and messages of love
Mike Reed, a family friend, posted:
“A friend’s son was tragically killed skateboarding on Thanksgiving Day. His organs are being donated to pass life and love along. If you can help the family with any amount as they go through this, please do.”
Via Facebook
Ashley Lynn Butler, who works with Tayden’s mom, wrote:
“An amazing teacher at my job lost her son this last weekend and I am absolutely heartbroken for her and this devastating loss… Please help if you are able. Just a reminder to show some kindness today… everyone could really use more of it.”
Via Facebook
Students at San Marcos High School have started a flower memorial in Tayden’s senior parking spot.
Details about a public celebration of life will be announced soon.
Tayden Tomblin was only 17, but in his short life, he brought light to everyone around him and, even in his passing, continues to give life to others.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Rest in peace, Tayden. 💙
Read More-: Beloved Former Resurrection Catholic Soccer Player and Assistant Coach Hunter Torjusen Passes Away at 26
