San Francisco, CA – Colden Kimber, a 28-year-old man from upstate New York, was fatally stabbed on Saturday, July 26, at a Muni stop in San Francisco's Ingleside neighborhood. Kimber reportedly intervened to protect a mother and her two children from an aggressive stranger, an act that ultimately cost him his life. He was waiting for a train with his girlfriend when the incident occurred.
According to court documents and reports from KTVU and ABC 7, the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Sean Collins, began yelling at commuters on the subway platform, including women and children. Kimber "decided to position himself... so should anything happen, [he] could intervene and protect those around him," as stated in court documents. While Kimber stood facing the oncoming train, Collins allegedly stabbed him in the neck in a "completely and utterly unprovoked" attack.
Kimber, an avid cyclist and kinesiology student at San Francisco State University, worked at American Cyclery and was remembered by friends and colleagues as a beloved and selfless individual. Reuben Sawyer, a friend, told ABC 7 that the incident was "so horrendous and shocking." A memorial ride in Kimber’s honor is scheduled for September 7 around the Polo Fields in Golden Gate Park, reflecting the community's grief and appreciation for his heroic actions.
Following the stabbing, Kimber was rushed to San Francisco General Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Police apprehended Collins a short distance from the scene. Collins has since been charged with murder and two counts of child endangerment, with his arraignment scheduled for August 14, according to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office.
The incident has highlighted the profound impact of selfless acts in the face of danger. Kimber's mother, Lara Litchfield-Kimber, told The San Francisco Standard that his actions were consistent with his character, stating, "He would definitely do that without hesitation." His bravery in shielding others has resonated deeply within the community, cementing his legacy as a hero.