Dominiq Ponder, Colorado quarterback, killed in car crash

Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Dominiq Ponder has died at 23. He spent two seasons in Boulder. (Photo via CU Athletics)

By Harrison Simeon and Lincoln Roch

Dominiq Ponder, a quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes, was killed in a single-vehicle crash early Sunday morning. He was 23 years old.

At approximately 3 a.m. MT, Colorado State Patrol responded to the crash on Baseline Road, near the area of Baseline Reservoir in Boulder County. A CSP release said that Ponder lost control of his vehicle on a right-hand curve, crossed into the opposing lane of traffic and went through a guard rail. 

The release said the Tesla Model 3 then struck an electrical pole, rolled down an embankment, landed on its wheels and caught on fire. Ponder was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no other fatalities.

The incident is under investigation by the agency's Vehicular Crimes Unit. The preliminary investigation shows that speed is a suspected factor. 

Coach Deion Sanders confirmed the death on Sunday afternoon.

"God, please comfort the Ponder family, friends and loved ones," he said via X. "Dom was one of my favorites! He was loved, respected and a born leader. Let’s pray for all that knew him and had the opportunity to be in his presence. Lord, you’re receiving a good one. Comfort us, Lord, comfort us."

The University of Colorado athletic department released a statement on the passing Sunday evening. It said it's making counseling resources available to student-athletes and staff.

"The entire CU Athletics family is devastated at the tragic passing of Dominiq Ponder," Athletic Director Fernando Lovo said. "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."

Tributes poured in from teammates and fans following the news.

“Dom, you were a blessing to so many people. You had a presence about you that just made everything better,” quarterback Colton Allen said on social media. “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."

Ponder was a redshirt junior entering his third season with the Buffs. He started his college career at Myrtle Beach Collegiate Academy before enrolling at Bethune-Cookman, where he redshirted his freshman year before transferring to Colorado in 2024.

He appeared in two games over two seasons, both in 2025. He made his collegiate debut on Nov. 1 against Arizona, playing the final three snaps. Ponder contributed to special teams a week later against West Virginia.

A native of Opa Locka, Florida, Ponder attended two nearby high schools. He started at Naples High School before transferring to Miami Carol City, where 247Sports rated him a three-star prospect.

This is a developing story and will be updated.