SAN MATEO, Calif. — The College of San Mateo community is mourning the reported death of Ja’Marion “Pop” Grace, a 19-year-old freshman defensive back for the College of San Mateo Bulldogs football team who died following a weekend vehicle crash in California.
Grace was from Fairfield, California, and had recently graduated from Vanden High School before beginning his college football career at College of San Mateo.
Two of Grace’s teammates were also injured in the crash. One reportedly remained hospitalized with serious injuries, while another was recovering at home.
The sudden loss has affected Grace’s teammates, coaches, school officials and members of the broader Bulldogs football community.
Ja’Marion “Pop” Grace Dies at 19
Ja’Marion Grace was 19 years old when he died following the reported crash on September 20, 2026.
He had only recently begun his freshman year at College of San Mateo, making his death especially difficult for those who had watched him begin the next stage of his education and football career.
Grace played defensive back for the Bulldogs and had already become part of the team’s close-knit football community.
His death has left teammates and coaches grieving while also raising concern for the two other players injured in the collision.
Crash Reported on Highway 101 in San Jose
The California Highway Patrol reported a potentially matching collision at approximately 2:06 a.m. on Highway 101 near Yerba Buena Road in San Jose.
According to preliminary reports, a vehicle lost control during the incident.
A 19-year-old Fairfield man was killed after being ejected from the vehicle, while another person was seriously injured.
The available reporting connects the circumstances of that collision with Grace’s reported death, although authorities have not publicly released every detail concerning the crash or confirmed all aspects of the sequence of events.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Two College of San Mateo Teammates Also Injured
Grace was not the only member of the College of San Mateo football community affected by the crash.
Two of his teammates were reportedly injured.
One player remained hospitalized with serious injuries, while the other was reported to be recovering at home.
The condition of the injured players has added another layer of concern for teammates, coaches and the college community as they cope with Grace’s death.
For a football team, the loss of a teammate can affect not only competition but also the relationships built through practices, games, travel and everyday college life.
College of San Mateo Bulldogs Mourn
Grace was a freshman defensive back for the College of San Mateo Bulldogs.
The program had recently celebrated a victory over Modesto Junior College, with the Bulldogs reportedly holding a 3-1 record following a 45-16 win.
Grace had therefore been part of a team experiencing an active football season before the crash abruptly changed the atmosphere surrounding the program.
College President Jennifer Taylor expressed condolences to Grace’s loved ones and emphasized the importance of supporting the football team and wider college community following the tragedy.
The school community is now balancing grief with concern for the injured students and support for everyone affected.
Remembering Ja’Marion “Pop” Grace
Grace was known to those close to him by the nickname “Pop.”
His football journey had only recently moved from Vanden High School in Fairfield to the College of San Mateo Bulldogs.
For teammates and coaches, that transition had provided an opportunity to build new relationships and share the experiences that come with college athletics.
Grace’s death has therefore left behind memories from both his high school and college football years.
His family, friends and teammates will now carry those memories forward as they mourn a young life that ended unexpectedly.
Grace’s Fairfield Roots
Grace was from Fairfield, California, where he attended Vanden High School.
Graduating from high school before moving into college athletics represented an important transition in his life.
For young athletes, the move from high school sports to college competition can represent years of work, preparation and commitment.
Grace’s time with the Bulldogs was still in its early stages, leaving teammates and others to mourn not only the life he lived but also the future that remained ahead of him.
Funeral and Memorial Arrangements
At the time of publication, official funeral, visitation, memorial and burial arrangements for Ja’Marion “Pop” Grace have not been publicly announced.
A fundraising campaign has reportedly been organized to assist Grace’s family with funeral expenses.
Additional information may be released by Grace’s family or an authorized representative as arrangements are finalized.
Friends, teammates and members of the College of San Mateo community are encouraged to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult period.
Investigation Into the Crash Continues
Authorities continue investigating the collision that claimed Grace’s life.
Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances leading up to the crash, the vehicle’s movements, roadway conditions and other available evidence.
Because the investigation remains active, details may change as authorities complete their work.
It is therefore important to distinguish preliminary reports from findings that may be established later.
No additional conclusions about the cause or circumstances of the collision should be assumed beyond what authorities have confirmed.
Ja’Marion “Pop” Grace Obituary Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ja’Marion “Pop” Grace |
| Age | 19 |
| Hometown | Fairfield, California |
| College | College of San Mateo |
| Class Standing | Freshman |
| Football Team | College of San Mateo Bulldogs |
| Position | Defensive back |
| Previous School | Vanden High School |
| Date of Death | September 20, 2026 |
| Crash Location | Highway 101 near Yerba Buena Road, San Jose |
| Reported Crash Time | Approximately 2:06 a.m. |
| Cause of Death | Fatal injuries following reported vehicle crash |
| Other Injured Players | Two College of San Mateo teammates |
| Injured Players’ Status | One reportedly hospitalized; one recovering at home |
| Occupation | Student-athlete |
| Official Obituary | Not publicly available |
| Funeral Arrangements | Not announced |
| Memorial Service | Not announced |
| Investigation | Ongoing |
A Young Life Remembered
At 19, Grace was only beginning his college career.
His involvement with the College of San Mateo Bulldogs represented another step in a football journey that had begun at Vanden High School.
His teammates and coaches will now remember him not simply through statistics or games, but through the relationships formed away from the scoreboard.
Practices, conversations, team activities and shared experiences can become some of the most meaningful memories after a teammate is gone.
For Grace’s family and friends, those memories will remain part of his story.
Final Tribute to Ja’Marion “Pop” Grace
Ja’Marion “Pop” Grace, 19, of Fairfield, California, has reportedly died following a vehicle crash in San Jose.
Grace was a freshman defensive back for the College of San Mateo Bulldogs and had recently continued his football career after graduating from Vanden High School.
Two of his teammates were also injured in the collision, with one reportedly hospitalized with serious injuries and another recovering at home.
Grace’s death has left the College of San Mateo football program and wider campus community mourning his loss.
Funeral and memorial arrangements have not yet been publicly announced, while authorities continue investigating the circumstances of the crash.
May Ja’Marion “Pop” Grace be remembered for the young athlete, teammate, student and friend he was, and may his family, teammates and loved ones find comfort in the memories they shared with him.
Disclaimer: This article is based on available public reports concerning Ja’Marion “Pop” Grace’s reported death. Some details about the crash, his personal life and the condition of other people involved may change as authorities and the family release additional information. Funeral and memorial arrangements should be confirmed through the family or an official announcement.