Ja’Marion “Pop” Grace, a 19-year-old College of San Mateo football player, was killed in a weekend crash in San Jose, leaving his teammates and loved ones facing a sudden loss. Grace was a freshman defensive back for the Bulldogs and was from Fairfield, California. Two of his teammates were also injured in the crash, with one still hospitalized with serious injuries and the other recovering at home.
The crash happened early Sunday morning on Highway 101 near Yerba Buena Road, according to the California Highway Patrol. Authorities said a 2013 Ford Fusion was traveling north when the driver lost control. The vehicle was involved in a solo crash at about 2:06 a.m.
Grace was ejected from the vehicle and died from his injuries, the CHP reported. Another 19-year-old man from San Mateo, identified as the driver, was taken to a hospital with major injuries. The details released by authorities match the crash involving a 19-year-old Fairfield man who was killed and another man who was seriously hurt.
Grace had just been on the football field hours before the crash. The College of San Mateo Bulldogs had beaten Modesto Junior College 45-16 on Saturday night in San Mateo. The win left the team with a 3-1 record before the tragedy struck.
For the Bulldogs, Grace was more than a player on the roster. Teammates described him as a brother, and people close to him knew him by the nickname “Pop.” A fundraiser organized for his family described him as a son, grandson, brother and friend whose presence brought love, laughter and warmth to the people around him.
Grace had recently graduated from Vanden High School in Fairfield before beginning his college football career at San Mateo. His death came just as he was starting the next part of his life as a college athlete.
College of San Mateo President Jennifer Taylor met with members of the football program Monday morning. She said the care shown among the players, coaches and wider college community stood out during the difficult time. The college has also asked the community to support Grace’s family and the two injured student-athletes.
The two injured players have not been publicly identified by the college. One remains in the hospital with serious injuries, while the other is recovering at home. Their injuries have added another layer of worry for the teammates, families and friends dealing with the crash.
A fundraiser for Grace’s funeral expenses was also launched as his family began making arrangements. By Monday evening, it had raised $15,691 toward a $28,000 goal. The campaign said donations would help cover funeral costs and support the family during the loss.
Grace’s death has left the College of San Mateo football program dealing with a loss that came only hours after a game and a win. His teammates now have to return to a season that began with football, but was suddenly changed by the loss of one of their own.
Leave a Reply