Man, 28, Died Protecting Kids from a Stranger, Who Was Allegedly Harassing Them on a Train Platform, in ‘Shocking’ Incident

A 28-year-old man was fatally stabbed on a San Francisco subway platform while trying to shield fellow passengers — including children — from a disruptive individual.

Officers from the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) responded to reports of a stabbing at the Ocean Avenue and Lee Avenue Muni station around 4:12 p.m. on July 26, according to a statement released by the department on July 28.

At the scene, police found Colden Kimber, 28, suffering from a stab wound. He was taken to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries.

A suspect matching the description given by witnesses was detained a short distance from the station, authorities said. The man, identified as 29-year-old Sean Collins, was arrested and booked into San Francisco County Jail on homicide charges.

Kimber, originally from upstate New York, had been waiting at the Muni stop with his girlfriend when Collins allegedly began yelling at others on the platform — including women and children — according to reports by KTVU, ABC 7, and The San Francisco Standard.

Acting to protect those nearby, Kimber stepped between Collins and the other commuters. That’s when Collins allegedly stabbed him in the neck, according to police, as reported by KTVU.

Collins’ defense attorney, William Fazio, told KTVU that he met his client for the first time on Friday, Aug. 1. “His parents are very distressed,” Fazio said. “They sent their hearts out to the young man who lost his life. It’s a nonsensical act. It’s very sad. Hopefully, he can get some treatment and some help. That’s my goal in this case.”

Collins is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 14, according to Superior Court of California public records.

PEOPLE reached out to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office for comment on Aug. 3 but did not receive an immediate response.

“It was so horrendous and shocking, and the last person that I would expect something like that to happen to,” Kimber’s friend Reuben Sawyer told ABC 7 in the days after the incident.

Bradley Woehl, owner of the cycling shop where Kimber worked, described him as someone who “really lived such an exemplary life.” Woehl added, “He was a very positive influence on myself and my staff,” and said Kimber would be missed for “his good nature and his kind spirit.”

“There is no making sense of this and no words to convey the devastation we are feeling,” Kimber’s family wrote on a GoFundMe page launched to help with funeral expenses and legal costs related to the ongoing criminal proceedings.

“Colden unwillingly leaves behind a loving partner of seven years, his little sister who is just getting into road cycling, friends young and old, beloved cycling and hockey communities on both sides of the country, and his family, who was immensely proud of the man he had become,” they added.

As of Aug. 3, the GoFundMe campaign had raised $85,975 of its $90,000 goal.