College Football Player Killed in San Jose Crash, Two Teammates Injured
Ja’Marion Grace, a freshman defensive back at the College of San Mateo, died early Sunday morning after a vehicle lost control on Highway 101.
Tragedy has struck the College of San Mateo football program following the death of freshman defensive back Ja’Marion Grace, known to family as “Pop,” in a car crash early Sunday morning. Grace, 19, was a passenger in a vehicle that lost control on Highway 101 near the Yerba Buena Road exit in San Jose around 2 a.m. Sunday, according to officials. He was ejected from the vehicle. Two of Grace’s teammates, who were also in the car, sustained injuries in the crash.
The College of San Mateo released a statement Tuesday honoring Grace, describing him as having “infectious energy.”
“Pop wasn’t just a teammate — he was a brother. He lit up every room he walked into with his infectious energy and smile,” the college said. “Whether he was dancing in the locker room, cracking jokes in team meetings, or showing up for his teammates off the field, Pop gave everything he had each and every day.”
Cleveland Browns cornerback Mekhi Blackmon, a former College of San Mateo player from 2017, donated $1,000 to a GoFundMe campaign established to help cover funeral expenses for Grace.
Grace’s family held a memorial for him on Tuesday in Vacaville. "He was a young man trying to find his way, but he was determined. He was dedicated, and he had so much life ahead of him,” his mother, Ashley Grant, told KRON4.
The College of San Mateo football team currently holds a 3-1 record this season. Grace recorded a tackle in the team's September 12 win against Butte College.