College of San Mateo football player killed in car wreck, two other teammates injured

Ja Marion Grace, a 19-year-old defensive back for the College of San Mateo football team, lost his life in a car accident over the weekend, the school announced on Monday. Grace, from Fairfield, was identified as the victim of the crash, according to the community college. His teammates described him not just as a teammate, but as a brother and a source of love, laughter, and warmth.

A GoFundMe campaign organized by Dominique Suber highlighted Grace's role as a son, grandson, brother, and friend. The post emphasized the deep sorrow felt by a mother who must bury her child, stressing that no mother should ever have to endure such heartbreak. During this difficult time, family, friends, and the entire community are urged to come together and support the grieving family.

CSM President Jennifer Taylor spoke about the two other student-athletes who were injured in the crash. One remains hospitalized with serious injuries, while the other is recovering at home. The exact location and time of the accident are not disclosed, but the California Highway Patrol reported a collision involving a 19-year-old man from Fairfield who was killed and another man seriously injured on Highway 101 at Yerba Buena Road in San Jose around 2:06 a.m. on Sunday.

The driver of the 2013 Ford Fusion lost control of the vehicle while driving northbound, resulting in the 19-year-old driver being ejected from the vehicle and succumbing to his injuries. Grace, a freshman defensive back at CSM, had recently achieved a 45-16 victory over Modesto Junior College in a game held the previous Saturday night.

Prior to joining the Bulldogs, Grace had played football at Vanden High School in Fairfield. A photo from his June 2025 graduation, shared by the Vacaville Reporter, shows Grace smiling and wearing a cap and gown as he celebrates his diploma. School officials met with the football program on Monday morning and expressed their appreciation for the immense care and unity displayed among the players, coaches, and the broader CSM community.

As of Monday evening, the GoFundMe account had raised $15,691 out of their $28,000 goal for funeral expenses.