SAN JOSE, CA – A College of San Mateo football player was killed and two teammates were injured early Sunday after the driver of their car lost control on Highway 101 in San Jose, according to the California Highway Patrol and college officials. The Sunday highway crash occurred at about 2:06 a.m. Sept. 20 near Yerba Buena Road.
CHP said a 2013 Ford Fusion was traveling north when its 19-year-old driver from San Mateo lost control. The teenager, a 19-year-old passenger from Fairfield, was ejected and died from his injuries.
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College Confirmed Three Injured Football Players
College President Jennifer Taylor said an additional student-athlete was injured in the crash. One remained hospitalized with serious injuries Monday, while the other was recovering at home. The college did not release their names or give additional medical information. The CHP account identified the injured driver but did not provide details about the third teammate’s position in the car.
The teen was a freshman defensive back for the Bulldogs and was known to relatives and teammates as “Pop.” He had graduated from Vanden High School in Fairfield in June 2025 before joining the College of San Mateo program. The football team described him as a brother as well as a teammate.
A photograph from his high school graduation showed him celebrating in a cap and gown. His move from Vanden to the Bulldogs marked the start of his college football career, and the crash occurred during his first season with the San Mateo program.
The crash occurred hours after the Bulldogs defeated Modesto Junior College 45-16 in San Mateo on Saturday night. The win gave the team a 3-1 record. Taylor met with players and coaches Monday morning and said she saw strong support among the football program and the broader campus community.
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Loss-of-Control Cause Was Not Explained
Authorities had not explained why the driver lost control of the Fusion. The available report did not identify a second vehicle, describe a roadway obstruction or say that alcohol, drugs or excessive speed were suspected. It also did not state whether the teenager had been wearing a seat belt before he was ejected.
A family fundraiser described the victim as a son, grandson, brother and friend who brought warmth to those around him. By Monday evening, it had raised more than $15,000 toward funeral expenses. The CHP had not announced a citation, arrest or final finding about the crash, and its investigation remained open.
The fundraiser set a $28,000 goal for the family’s expenses. College officials said continued support would be important for players and coaches as the program responded to the student’s death and the injuries to the two surviving teammates.
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