Colorado Quarterback Dominiq Ponder, 23, Dies in Crash After Losing Control of His Car

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Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder warms up before an NCAA college football game on Sept. 14, 2024.
Credit: AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File

NEED TO KNOW

  • Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder died early Sunday morning, March 1, in a single-car crash
  • The Colorado State Patrol said that Ponder, 23, was driving a 2023 Tesla in Boulder County when he lost control of the car and hit a guardrail before rolling down an embankment
  • "The entire CU Athletics family is devastated at the tragic passing of Dominiq Ponder," Colorado athletic director Fernando Lovo said

Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder died in a single-car crash. He was 23 years old.

On Sunday, March 1, Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders announced the news on social media and offered his condolences to Ponder's loved ones.

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"God please comfort the Ponder family, friends & Loved ones," Sanders wrote. "Dom was one of my favorites! He was Loved, Respected & a Born Leader."

"Let’s pray for all that knew him & had the opportunity to be in his presence. Lord you’re receiving a good 1. Comfort us Lord Comfort us," the coach added.

The Colorado State Patrol confirmed to the Associated Press and ESPN that Ponder was driving a 2023 Tesla in Boulder County early on Sunday when he lost control of the car on a curve and hit a guardrail. His car then struck an electrical line pole and rolled down an embankment.

First responders pronounced him dead at the scene, and police told the outlets that a preliminary investigation "shows that speed is suspected as a factor" — though an investigation is still ongoing.

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"The entire CU Athletics family is devastated at the tragic passing of Dominiq Ponder," Colorado athletic director Fernando Lovo told ESPN in a statement. "He epitomized the values of passion, enthusiasm, leadership, toughness and intelligence that were revered by his teammates and coaches alike. Our hearts go out to his family and all of his teammates during this difficult time."

Ponder, a third-year sophomore originally from Opa Locka, Fla., began his college career at Bethune-Cookman University in Florida and later transferred to Colorado, where he spent the last two seasons. He played in two games last season, recording two rushes and a pass attempt.

The Buffaloes were slated to begin spring practice on Monday, March 2.

A number of Ponder's teammates and coaches took to social media after the news of his death to share their condolences, including Colorado offensive coordinator Brennan Marion.

“Getting that call from his dad today didn’t feel real,” Marion wrote. “Love you Dom! God cover his family & our team, especially our QB room!”

Fellow Colorado quarterback Colton Allen also paid tribute to Ponder on Instagram, writing that he was "a blessing to so many people."

"You had a presence about you that just made everything better," Allen wrote in part. "You brought so much joy to me and everyone around you. I’m grateful for every lift, every practice, every rep, every conversation we got to share. I’ll carry those with me for the rest of my life."

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