College of San Mateo football player killed in Highway 101 crash

SAN MATEO, Calif. - The College of San Mateo football community is grieving the death of one of its players, who was killed in a crash that injured two others.

Ja’Marion "Pop" Grace, 19, was a freshman defensive back at the college. The Fairfield native attended Vanden High School.   

"He lit up every room he walked into with his infectious energy and smile, he had a way of making everyone around him feel special," the team 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."

Crash on Highway 101

What we know:

Grace died early Sunday in a crash on Highway 101 near Yerba Buena Road.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver of a 2013 Ford Fusion lost control of the vehicle. Grace, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was ejected and died.

The driver, also a 19-year-old man, survived and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. A second passenger was also injured.

SFGATE reported that the two injured men were teammates of Grace.

What we don't know:

Authorities have not determined what caused the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.

Family remembers Grace

What they're saying:

Grace’s family is reeling from his untimely passing.

"Pop was more than just a son, grandson, brother and friend. He was a light in the lives of everyone who had the blessing of knowing him," his family wrote in a GoFundMe. "There are no words that can truly prepare a mother to bury her child. No mother should ever have to experience that kind of heartbreak."

Raised in Fairfield, Grace developed a deep passion for football at an early age and dedicated himself to the sport.

"Everything, everything. He did track, he did basketball, but football, he said, 'Mom, I’m a football player. Football is my passion,'" said Grace's mother, Ashley Grant. "He’s playing since he was 5 and a half."

His grandmother, Felicia Brown, was a constant presence in the stands throughout his athletic career. "All the time, I made it to all his games," Brown said. "When they went to state championships, we all flew, we went to LA."

Family members described Grace as someone who brought joy to those around him and always put his family first.

"He was just a very sweet, kind person, especially kids. Kids loved him, they loved him," said Brown.

"To know him was to love him, he was amazing. I’d tell him, 'You are my superstar. You are special, no matter what you do, I’m proud of you," added Grant.      

The family is raising funds to lay the young athlete to rest and give him the "beautiful celebration of life he deserves."

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