Teen Dies from Skateboarding Injury He Suffered on Thanksgiving. His Donated Organs Saved 7 People: ‘A Profound Honor’

The family of a 17-year-old who died from a head injury sustained while skateboarding on Thanksgiving has honored his final wishes by donating his organs — and is now working to launch a helmet-safety nonprofit in his name.

Tayden Tomblin, a high school senior from Santa Barbara, Calif., was visiting family and friends in Palos Verdes for the holiday when he fell and struck his head while skateboarding, according to The Santa Barbara Independent. He was rushed to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center but never regained consciousness or brain function, the outlet reported. The San Marcos High School senior died that Saturday from his injuries.

“The neuro team was confident that he didn’t suffer or feel pain,” his parents, Tyler and Rosalyn Tomblin, said, per the outlet. “He passed away quickly, doing what he loved.“

Tayden had expressed a wish to be an organ donor, and his decision has already helped transform the lives of several others.

“The clinical team shared that Tayden’s heart, liver, pancreas, lungs (en-bloc), and kidneys were recovered for the purpose of recipient transplant,” Tayden’s father wrote on a GoFundMe page created to support the family. “In addition, the clinical team shared that Tayden’s liver underwent a split-liver transplant procedure, meaning it was divided into two segments intended for two different recipients. Tayden’s kidneys were also recovered separately, so one recipient will receive the right kidney and another will receive the left.”

“It is a profound honor to share that Tayden will be able to bring hope and healing to seven recipients,” he added.

Funds raised through the GoFundMe will help provide counseling for Tayden’s younger sister and support the creation of a nonprofit called “Non-Negotiable,” established in his memory. The organization will focus on helmet education and providing helmets to young people.

The outlet has reached out to the family for more information on the planned foundation.

Tayden was also remembered by the aquatics department at his high school, which described him in an Instagram tribute as “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.”