Colorado and Deion Sanders in mourning after QB Dominiq Ponder dies at 23 | College football
Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder died early Sunday morning in a single-car crash in Boulder County, police said. He was 23 years old.
Ponder lost control of his Tesla on a curve and struck a guardrail, according to the Colorado State Patrol. The car then hit a power pole and rolled down an embankment before catching fire. Ponder was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said a preliminary investigation “shows speed is suspected as a factor.”
Colorado athletic director Fernando Lovo mourned the quarterback in a statement. “The entire CU Athletics family is devastated by the tragic passing of Dominiq Ponder,” Lovo said. “He embodied the values of passion, enthusiasm, leadership, tenacity and intelligence that were revered by his teammates and coaches alike. Our thoughts are with his family and all of his teammates during this difficult time.”
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Ponder played in two games for the Buffaloes last season. The 6-foot-5 sophomore from Florida began his college career at Bethune-Cookman before transferring to Colorado in 2024.
The Buffaloes were scheduled to begin spring training Monday.
“God, please comfort Ponder’s family, friends and loved ones,” Colorado coach Deion Sanders posted on
Colorado offensive coordinator Brennan Marion reposted Sanders’ statement and called Ponder a joy to be there and coach.
“Getting that call from his dad today didn’t seem real,” Marion posted. “I love you Dom! God cover his family and our team, especially our QB room!”
Fellow Colorado quarterback Colton Allen also paid tribute to Ponder on Instagram.
“Dom, you have been a blessing to so many,” Allen wrote. “You had a presence around you that made everything better. You brought so much joy to me and everyone around you. I am grateful for every lift, every practice, every rep, every conversation we were able to share. I will carry them with me for the rest of my life.”
