SAN FRANCISCO— The city of San Francisco is reeling after the heartbreaking death of Colden Kimber, a 28-year-old cyclist, student, and community member, who was fatally stabbed in what authorities are calling an unprovoked attack. The incident occurred Saturday near Ocean Avenue, just steps away from the “K” Muni line stop.
Kimber, known for his towering height at six-foot-four, his love for cycling, and his kind, protective nature, was waiting for a train with his girlfriend when tragedy struck. According to court documents, Kimber intervened after witnessing a man aggressively confronting a mother and her two children, shouting things like, “Oh, you think you are better than me,” and “You are scared of me.”
In a final act of courage, Kimber positioned himself between the family and the man, hoping to de-escalate the situation. He stood watching for the train — unaware the man would approach and, without warning, stab him in the neck. The attack was described as “completely and utterly unprovoked.”
His friend Reuben Sawyer called the attack shocking, saying, “It was so horrendous and shocking and the last person that I would expect something like that to happen to.”
Kimber’s death has left a devastating void in the lives of those who knew him. He was a kinesiology student at San Francisco State University, and a valued team member at American Cyclery, where he had worked for the past three years.
“He worked here three years, and this up here was his workbench where he repaired bikes and built new bikes,” said Bradley Woehl, owner of American Cyclery. “He is totally irreplaceable as a worker, and totally irreplaceable as a friend and person… He really lived such an exemplary life.”
As his community grieves, support has poured in for Colden’s loved ones. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support his family during this difficult time: Support for Colden’s Family.
The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office has confirmed that the 29-year-old suspect has been charged with murder and is set to be arraigned on August 14. The suspect reportedly had a mental health evaluation just one day before the incident, but the findings have not yet been made public. The case remains under active investigation.
“Still under investigation. So, I’m following very closely with the San Francisco Police Department, SFMTA,” said Chyanne Chen, the San Francisco Supervisor for the Taraval District.
A memorial ride in honor of Colden Kimber is scheduled for September 7 around the Polo Fields in Golden Gate Park. Friends, fellow cyclists, and members of the community are invited to join and celebrate the life of a man who embodied kindness, courage, and compassion.
“We love him, and we miss him,” Woehl said.
Kimber’s legacy will live on through the lives he touched — a reminder of the power of standing up for others, even in the face of danger.
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