DENVER — Dominiq Ponder, a backup quarterback for the University of Colorado Boulder, was killed in a single-vehicle crash early Sunday morning. He was 23.
According to the Colorado State Patrol, troopers responded to the crash around 3 a.m. on March 1 in Boulder County. Authorities said Ponder was driving a 2023 Tesla Model 3 when he lost control on a right-hand curve.
Investigators said the vehicle struck a guardrail, continued through it, hit an electrical line, then rolled down an embankment before catching fire. Ponder was pronounced dead at the scene.
CSP’s Vehicular Crimes Unit is investigating the crash, and officials indicated that speed is being considered as a possible factor.
Remembered by Coaches and Teammates
Deion Sanders, head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, shared a message of condolence on social media post, calling Ponder “one of my favorites” and “a Born Leader.”
Ponder was a third-year sophomore from Florida who transferred to Colorado from Bethune-Cookman University. He appeared in two games for the Buffaloes last season.
The team is scheduled to begin spring training in Boulder on Monday.
University officials and teammates continue to mourn the loss of the young quarterback, remembered as a respected leader within the program.