College of San Mateo Football Player Died in Crash
A 19-year-old student-athlete was killed and two teammates were injured in a single-vehicle accident.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Football
Ja'Marion Grace, a College of San Mateo football player, died after being ejected from a vehicle during a crash in San Jose. Two other student-athletes involved in the collision sustained injuries, with one remaining hospitalized.
Why it matters
The tragedy occurred shortly after the team completed a game, shaking the local campus community. Support efforts have been launched to assist the family of the deceased with funeral expenses.
A GoFundMe campaign has raised $15,691 toward a $28,000 goal for funeral costs. The team currently holds a 3-1 season record following a 45-16 victory on September 20.
The players
Ja'Marion Grace
He was a 19-year-old student-athlete and football player at the College of San Mateo.
College of San Mateo
This is the California community college where the deceased and the injured students were enrolled as athletes.
The details
The crash involving a 2013 Ford Fusion occurred on Highway 101 at Yerba Buena Road when the driver lost control while heading northbound. Ja'Marion Grace was ejected from the vehicle, while two other passengers were injured and currently face separate recovery paths.
Timeline
September 20, 2026: The football team played Modesto Junior College.
September 21, 2026: The crash occurred at 2:06 a.m.
September 22, 2026: College officials announced the student death.
Season Trajectory
This tragedy casts a somber shadow over the College of San Mateo's season, potentially impacting team morale and future availability for the remainder of the schedule. The team currently maintains a 3-1 record as they navigate the aftermath of the crash.
The loss of a roster member creates an immediate vacancy and emotional challenge for the football team during their current season. Future game preparations for the 3-1 squad will likely be impacted by the ongoing recovery of the injured teammates.
The takeaway
Sudden losses of young athletes often require campuses to provide immediate mental health support for teammates and classmates. Financial campaigns remain an active avenue for the community to assist families following these types of unexpected tragedies.
Further reading
Find more coverage of local collegiate athletics at Football.
