© NADIA ZOMORODIAN/NEWS-JOURNAL / USA TODAY NETWORK
Colorado QB Dominiq Ponder has passed away at the young age of 23.
On Sunday morning, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders confirmed the death of Ponder on social media.
The University of Colorado Athletic Department is heartbroken over the loss of Dominiq Ponder, who passed away tragically in a car accident early Sunday morning.
“God, please comfort the entire Ponder family during this difficult time,” said Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders. “Dominiq was one of my favorites because of his passion, his heart and his willingness to go beyond what was asked. He will certainly be remembered, missed, and in our thoughts and prayers.”
The Colorado Football family mourns the passing of Dominiq Ponder.
We honor his life, his spirit, and the light he brought to Boulder.
Forever a Buffalo.https://t.co/FwASG1uM8I pic.twitter.com/yGSLOXZCYC
— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) March 2, 2026
According to the police report, Ponder’s Tesla crashed through a guardrail and struck an electrical pole before his car caught on fire.
On March 1, 2026, at approximately 3:00 a.m., the Colorado State Patrol responded to a fatal single vehicle crash with one occupant. The crash was on Baseline Road near Newland Court in Boulder county.The vehicle was a 2023 Tesla Model 3, driven by 23 year old Dominiq A. Ponder. He was a member of the University of Colorado Buffaloes football team.The Tesla was westbound on Baseline Road when the driver lost control on a right-hand curve.
The Tesla went across the eastbound lane and hit a guardrail. The vehicle continued through the guardrail. The Tesla then struck an electrical line pole and rolled down an embankment landing on its wheels and catching on fire. The driver was pronounced dead on scene.The Vehicular Crimes Unit of the Colorado State Patrol is leading the investigation. The preliminary investigation shows that speed is suspected as a factor.