Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder died at the age of 23 on Saturday night. Colorado State Patrol said that Ponder was involved in a fatal car accident around 3 a.m. Sunday morning.
Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders confirmed the tragic news in a social media post on Sunday.
“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.”
Ponder was driving a 2023 Tesla Model 3 westbound on Baseline Road when he lost control of the vehicle, which crossed the eastbound lane and crashed through a guardrail before striking an electrical line pole. Local authorities said the vehicle rolled down an embankment and caught on fire. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
Ponder was pronounced dead at the scene. The Vehicular Crimes Unit of the Colorado State Patrol is leading an investigation into the crash. The preliminary investigation shows that “speed is suspected as a factor.”
Ponder, an Opa Locka, Fla., native, spent the 2023 season with Bethune-Cookman, appearing in two games before taking a redshirt year. He transferred to Colorado in ‘24 and did not appear in a game during his first season in Boulder. He made his collegiate debut in the Buffaloes’ 2025 loss to Arizona. The following week, he played three snaps on the Buffaloes' kickoff team against West Virginia.
“The entire CU Athletics family is devastated at the tragic passing of Dominiq Ponder," said University of Colorado Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo. "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.”
The Big 12 offered its condolences to Ponder's family on Sunday evening.
“The Big 12 Conference is deeply saddened by the passing of Colorado football student-athlete Dominiq Ponder,” the conference wrote. “We extend our condolences to the Ponder family and Dominiq’s loved ones. Our thoughts are with the entire CU community during this difficult time.”
One of Ponder's teammates, Colton Allen, on social media posted a heartfelt tribute.
“Dom, you were a blessing to so many people,” Allen wrote. “You had a presence about you that just made everything better. 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.”
Colorado is scheduled to open spring practice on Monday. CU Athletics is making counseling resources available to student athletes and staff.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Colorado QB Dominiq Ponder Dies at Age 23.
