Boulder County, CO – A tragic single-car crash claimed the life of Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder early Sunday morning. He was 23 years old.
Ponder was driving a 2023 Tesla when he lost control on a curve around 2:41 a.m., striking a guardrail and subsequently hitting an electrical pole before rolling down an embankment, according to the Colorado State Patrol. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigations indicate that speed may have been a factor in the crash. Ponder, who transferred to Colorado from Bethune-Cookman, played in two games for the Buffaloes last season.
Coach Deion Sanders expressed his condolences, calling Ponder a “born leader” on social media, and asking for prayers for his family and friends. Offensive coordinator Brennan Marion also honored Ponder, stating that receiving word of his passing felt surreal.
Tributes continued to pour in from teammates and the Big 12 Conference, which extended condolences in a statement on social media.
The Colorado football team was scheduled to begin spring practice on Monday, a stark contrast to the mourning over the loss of their teammate. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the crash.