Colorado junior quarterback Dominiq Ponder died on the age of 23, the varsity introduced on Sunday. Ponder was killed in a single-car crash that occurred in Boulder early Sunday morning.
Ponder, who transferred to Colorado in 2024, spent the final two seasons with the Buffaloes. Colorado coach Deion Sanders and athletic director Fernando Lovo each issued statements honoring Ponder and his household.
“God, please consolation the whole Ponder household throughout this troublesome time,” Sanders mentioned. “Dominiq was one among my favorites due to his ardour, his coronary heart and his willingness to transcend what was requested. He will definitely be remembered, missed, and in our ideas and prayers.”
In accordance with the Colorado State Patrol, Ponder was driving his Tesla when he misplaced management on a curve. The automobile then went by way of a guardrail and hit {an electrical} pole earlier than rolling down an embankment and catching hearth. Ponder was pronounced useless on the scene. Authorities suspect velocity was an element within the crash.
“All the CU Athletics household is devastated on the tragic passing of Dominiq Ponder,” Lovo mentioned. “He epitomized the values of ardour, enthusiasm, management, toughness, and intelligence that had been revered by his teammates and coaches alike. Our hearts exit to his household and all of his teammates throughout this troublesome time.”
A local of Opa Locka, Florida, Ponder performed highschool soccer at Miami Carol Metropolis. He spent the 2023 season at Bethune-Cookman earlier than transferring to Colorado. Ponder appeared in two video games final season, and he was set to play his third season at Colorado in 2026.
