College of San Mateo Defensive Back Jamarion Grace Dies in Car Crash
The short version
- Jamarion "Pop" Grace, 19, a CSM defensive back, died in a single-car crash early Sunday in San Jose.
- CHP responded around 2 a.m. on Highway 101 near Yerba Buena Road; the driver, 19, was seriously injured.
- Three CSM players were reportedly in the car; one injured passenger has been released from the hospital.
- Grace won a CIF Division 3-A state title with Vanden High School in 2024.
- CSM (3-1, No. 4 in the state) is scheduled to play Diablo Valley College at home Saturday.
A 19-year-old freshman defensive back was killed and two teammates injured in a single-car wreck on Highway 101 in San Jose early Sunday.
The College of San Mateo announced Monday that defensive back Jamarion "Pop" Grace, 19, died over the weekend. According to multiple reports, the Fairfield native was killed in a single-car crash in San Jose early Sunday morning.
California Highway Patrol officers responded to a wreck around 2 a.m. Sunday on Highway 101 near Yerba Buena Road. The preliminary investigation indicates the driver lost control while traveling northbound. A 19-year-old man from San Mateo who was driving was seriously injured, and the CHP is asking witnesses to come forward.
Per the San Francisco Chronicle, three CSM football players were in the vehicle. The school has not identified the injured players, though one passenger has reportedly been released from the hospital. Head coach Tim Tulloch shared a report naming wide receiver Kavon Collins of Monterey as one of those involved.
The Bulldogs football program paid tribute to Grace, describing his energy and the way he made teammates feel special. Grace starred at Vanden High School, helping the Vikings win a CIF Division 3-A state championship in 2024 with three interceptions that season.
A freshman this year, Grace appeared in one of CSM's four games and recorded one tackle. The Bulldogs, ranked No. 4 in the state at 3-1, are scheduled to host Diablo Valley College on Saturday.
Written by the Matchday Live desk from reporting by Yahoo Sports.
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