Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder died in a single-car crash Sunday morning, police said. He was 23.
“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,” Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders said in a post on X Sunday evening.
God please comfort the Ponder family, friends & Loved ones. 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. #CoachPrime pic.twitter.com/2R7BAVyZ8u
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) March 1, 2026
Ponder lost control of his 2023 Tesla Model 3 about 3 a.m. Sunday while traveling west on a right-hand curve on Baseline Road in Boulder, police said in a statement.
The car crossed into the eastbound lane, hit a guardrail, struck an electrical line and caught on fire after landing on its wheels at the bottom of an embankment, police said.
Ponder was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
“Getting that call from his dad today didn’t feel real,” Colorado offensive coordinator Brennan Marion wrote in a post on X on Sunday evening, adding Ponder was “a joy to be around & coach.”
The accident is under investigation by the Colorado State Patrol, which said in a statement the preliminary investigation showed speed was suspected as a factor in the crash.
Ponder spent the last two seasons at Colorado after beginning his career at Bethune-Cookman. As Colorado’s fourth-string quarterback last season, he appeared in two games, playing the final three snaps in a home loss to Arizona. His lone pass attempt of the season was incomplete.
“The entire CU Athletics family is devastated at the tragic passing of Dominiq Ponder,” Colorado athletic director Fernando Lovo said 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 played at Myrtle Beach (S.C.) Collegiate Academy after playing at Carol City High in Miami Gardens, Fla., near his hometown of Opa-locka.
Colorado is set to begin spring practice ahead of Sanders’ fourth season at Colorado on Monday.
