SUMMARY
- Dominiq Ponder, a Colorado Buffaloes quarterback, died in a single car crash early Sunday.
- Authorities said the crash involved a 2023 Tesla Model 3 and speed may have been a factor.
- Head coach Deion Sanders confirmed the death and asked for prayers for the family.
BOULDER, Colo. — Dominiq Ponder, a quarterback for the University of Colorado football team, died early Sunday after a single vehicle crash in Boulder County, authorities said. He was twenty two.
The death of Dominiq Ponder shocked teammates and fans across the college football community, striking the Colorado program as it prepares for offseason training and roster development ahead of the next NCAA football season.
According to the Colorado State Patrol, Ponder was driving westbound on Baseline Road around 3 AM when he lost control of his vehicle on a right hand curve.
Authorities said the vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane, crashed through a guardrail and struck an electrical line pole before rolling down an embankment. The vehicle landed on its wheels and caught fire.
Officials said Dominiq Ponder was the sole occupant of the car and was pronounced dead at the scene. No other vehicles were involved.
The Opa-locka, Florida native transferred to the University of Colorado in 2024 and made his debut with the Buffaloes in 2025.
Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, said investigators are examining speed and road conditions. “Single vehicle crashes often occur when drivers lose control at higher speeds,” Packard said.
David Harkey, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, said advanced vehicle technology does not remove crash risk. “Driver behavior remains the most significant factor in serious roadway crashes,” Harkey said.
Sanders, widely known as “Coach Prime,” confirmed the news in a post on X. “God please comfort the Ponder family, friends and loved ones,” Sanders wrote. “Dom was one of my favorites. He was loved, respected and a born leader.”
University officials said support resources are being made available to players and students affected by the loss.
The Colorado State Patrol said the crash involving Dominiq Ponder remains under investigation, with authorities reviewing speed, roadway conditions and other potential contributing factors.
The death of Dominiq Ponder represents a major loss for the Colorado football program and the broader college football community as officials continue investigating the fatal crash.
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