Mountain Biker Dies on Cold Springs Trail

A Carpinteria man died in a freak mountain biking accident January 31 as he rode down the Cold Springs East Fork Trail in the hills above Montecito.

According to Montecito Fire Chief Kevin Wallace, 42-year-old Matthew Sanborn was nearing the trailhead when he fell on the path and suffered fatal injuries. Based on Internet message board postings, it appears Sanborn may have broken his neck in the fall, but authorities weren’t able to confirm the reports, citing the incomplete coroner’s investigation.

Wallace said hikers saw Sanborn, who was biking alone, pass them on the trail shortly before the accident. They noted he wasn’t speeding or riding recklessly. A few minutes later the group rounded a switchback and saw him lying motionless on the ground. No one witnessed the actual fall.

The hikers dialed 911, and rescue crews responded. They administered CPR to Sanborn on the scene, but he was pronounced dead. Wallace, explaining Sanborn was wearing a helmet, said it’s unusual for a fatal accident to occur on a trail. Most deadly incidents happen when victims fall off the trail, he said.

A funeral service for Sanborn was held Saturday, February 4, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. On his Facebook page, which is filled with condolences left by a number of his friends, Sanborn’s girlfriend wrote:

“Many people have asked if they can make a donation in Matt Sanborn’s name. A cause that recently became dear to Matt’s heart is a school for deaf children in Mexico, www.rachosordomudo.org. Checks can be sent to Hope Community Church at 560 N. La Cumbre Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93110.”