Colorado backup quarterback Dominiq Ponder died early Saturday in a single-vehicle crash in Boulder County, authorities said. He was 23.
Colorado State Patrol Sgt. Ivan Alvarado told USA TODAY Sports that a 23-year-old male driving a 2023 Tesla west on Baseline Road near Newland Court lost control of the vehicle about 3 a.m. The car crossed the eastbound lanes, went through a guardrail, struck an electrical pole and rolled at least once. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
The patrol did not immediately identify the driver, but Colorado coach Deion Sanders confirmed Ponder’s death in a social media post Saturday.
“God please comfort the Ponder family, friends & Loved ones,” Sanders wrote on X. “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, a third-year sophomore from Opa-locka, Florida, transferred to Colorado from Bethune-Cookman before the 2024 season as a walk-on. He appeared in two games last season, recording one pass attempt and two rushes for minus-4 yards. At 6-foot-5 and 200 pounds, he served as a fourth-string quarterback and was described by teammates as a team favorite and leader in the program.
Ponder played high school football at Carol City High and was one of several “Florida boys” on Sanders’ roster.
Teammate Colton Allen posted on Instagram: “Dom, you were a blessing to so many people. You had a presence about you that just made everything better.”
The university had no immediate comment beyond Sanders’ statement. Colorado is scheduled to open spring practice Monday.
The crash remained under investigation Saturday evening, Alvarado said. No other vehicles were involved.
