SAN JOSE, CA. (THECOUNT) — A GoFundMe campaign is raising money for the family of Ja’Marion “Pop” Grace, a 19-year-old College of San Mateo football player from Fairfield, California, who died in a crash early Sunday, September 20, as his loved ones seek financial support for funeral expenses and other needs following his death.
Grace was a freshman defensive back for the College of San Mateo Bulldogs. The school announced his death Monday, describing him as more than a teammate and calling him a brother whose energy, humor and kindness made an impact on those around him.
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“Pop wasn’t just a teammate — he was a brother,” the College of San Mateo football program said in a statement. The school said Grace had an infectious smile and made people around him feel special, both on and off the football field.
The fundraiser, titled In Memory of Ja’Marion Pop Grace, was organized by Dominique Suber. The campaign has established a $28,000 goal, with donations intended to help cover funeral expenses and support Grace’s grieving family. The fundraiser describes Grace as a son, grandson, brother and friend whose presence brought love, laughter and warmth to those who knew him.
As of Tuesday, the GoFundMe page showed approximately $18,000 raised. The total remains subject to change as additional contributions are made.
Via GoFundMe:
In Loving Memory of Ja’Marion “Pop” Grace
It is with the heaviest of hearts that this fundraiser is being shared on behalf of the family of Ja’Marion “Pop” Grace, who was taken from them far too soon. 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 presence brought love, laughter, warmth, and memories that his family and community will carry with them forever.
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. During this unimaginable time, Pop’s family, friends, and entire community are being asked to come together and support them as they navigate this devastating loss.
Donations will help with funeral expenses and give Ja’Marion the beautiful celebration of life he deserves, a chance for everyone who loved him to come together, honor his life, share memories, and say goodbye. Support will also help the family with whatever they need during this terrible time.
Any amount will help. If donating is not possible, sharing this fundraiser, sending prayers, or simply reaching out to the family would mean more than you know. Let’s surround Pop’s family with the same love and light that he gave to so many during his time with them.
Rest peacefully, Ja’Marion “Pop” Grace. Your light will continue to shine through everyone who loved you. Gone way too soon, but never forgotten.
According to reporting by the San Francisco Chronicle, Grace was killed in a crash early Sunday morning. The California Highway Patrol reported a potentially matching collision at approximately 2:06 a.m. on northbound U.S. 101 near Yerba Buena Road in San Jose. Investigators said a 2013 Ford Fusion lost control, and a 19-year-old Fairfield man was ejected and died at the scene.
The Chronicle reported that two other College of San Mateo football players were injured in the crash. One remained hospitalized with serious injuries, while the other was recovering at home, according to CSM President Jennifer Taylor. The college had not publicly identified the injured players.
Because the college did not initially release the specific crash location, the connection between the school’s announcement and the CHP report should be treated as reported rather than as a fully detailed official reconstruction. Authorities had not released a complete account of the circumstances involving all three student-athletes.
Grace had recently graduated from Vanden High School in Fairfield before beginning his college football career at College of San Mateo. He had played in the Bulldogs’ 45-16 victory over Modesto Junior College on Saturday night, just hours before the reported early Sunday crash. The team was listed with a 3-1 record following the victory.
College President Jennifer Taylor said she met with members of the football program Monday and was encouraged by the support and togetherness shown by players, coaches and the broader college community.
The reported crash occurred in San Jose, a major city in Santa Clara County in the South Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. College of San Mateo is located in San Mateo County, while Grace’s hometown of Fairfield is in Solano County, northeast of the Bay Area.
Google Maps: U.S. 101 near Yerba Buena Road, San Jose, California — approximate crash location
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