SANTA BARBARA – The San Marcos High School pool deck sits silent this week after 17-year-old Tayden Tomblin, a standout water polo player and swimmer, died Sunday from injuries suffered in a skateboarding accident over Thanksgiving weekend.
Friends say Tayden was riding near his home Saturday evening when he fell and struck his head. Despite wearing a helmet, he suffered catastrophic brain trauma. After days on life support surrounded by family and teammates, Tayden was taken off machines Sunday night. In a final act of generosity, his parents chose organ donation—giving the gift of life to multiple recipients.
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“Tayden never did anything halfway,” said San Marcos water polo coach Jeff Ashton. “He attacked every sprint, every practice, every moment with 100%. And even in the end, he gave everything he had left.”
A senior captain known for hyping up teammates from the bench and staying late to help freshmen with their shots, Tayden had already committed to play collegiate water polo next fall. His #7 cap now hangs on the scoreboard at the Royals’ pool as a permanent tribute.
Monday morning, hundreds of students gathered on the football field wearing Royal blue and releasing blue and white balloons—one for every year of Tayden’s life. More gathered at Ledbetter Beach, where Tayden spent countless afternoons skating and surfing with friends.
A GoFundMe titled “Tayden’s Legacy” has raised over $180,000 in 48 hours to cover medical and funeral costs and to establish a scholarship for San Marcos aquatics athletes who “lead with heart.”
Grief counselors will remain on campus through next week, and a celebration of life is planned for Saturday, December 13 at 2 p.m. at the San Marcos High pool. The family invites everyone to wear team colors or tie-dye—Tayden’s favorite.
“Tayden saved lives before he ever left us, and he saved more when he did,” his mother wrote on the fundraiser page. “Keep swimming hard, keep being kind—that’s how you honor him.”
The pool lights will burn all night this week.
Swim fast, Tayden. The water already misses you. 💙🏊♂️ #TaydenStrong #RoyalForever