Colorado QB Dominiq Ponder killed in car crash

The 23-year-old player died in a single-vehicle accident in Boulder, Colorado.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder, 23, was killed in a single-vehicle car crash in Boulder, Colorado, on the morning of March 1. The car went into the eastbound lane, hit a guardrail, a power line, and caught fire after landing upright at the bottom of an embankment. Ponder was pronounced dead at the scene, and speed may have been a factor in the crash, according to authorities.

Why it matters

Ponder's death is a tragic loss for the Colorado football program and the broader college sports community. As a junior walk-on, he was participating in offseason workouts and was set to begin spring practices with the team. His coaches and teammates are devastated by the news.

The details

According to police, Ponder lost control of his Tesla Model 3 and the car went into the eastbound lane, hit a guardrail, a power line, and caught fire after landing upright at the bottom of an embankment. Ponder was the only person in the car and was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the crash is under investigation, but authorities said speed may have been a factor.

  • The crash happened on the morning of March 1, 2026.
  • Spring practices for the Colorado football team were scheduled to start on March 2, 2026.

The players

Dominiq Ponder

A 23-year-old junior walk-on quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes football team.

Deion Sanders

The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes football team.

Brennan Marion

The offensive coordinator for the Colorado Buffaloes football team.

Fernando Lovo

The athletic director for the University of Colorado.

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What they’re saying

“God please comfort the Ponder family, friends & Loved ones. 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.”

— Deion Sanders, Head Coach, Colorado Buffaloes (Twitter)

“Getting that call from his dad today didn't feel real.”

— Brennan Marion, Offensive Coordinator, Colorado Buffaloes (Twitter)

“The entire CU Athletics family is devastated at the tragic passing of Dominiq Ponder. He epitomized the values of passion, enthusiasm, leadership, toughness, and intelligence that were revered by his teammates and coaches alike. Our hearts go out to his family and all of his teammates during this difficult time.”

— Fernando Lovo, Athletic Director, University of Colorado (Statement)

What’s next

Counselors are being made available to Ponder's teammates and the Colorado football staff to provide support during this difficult time.

The takeaway

Ponder's tragic death at the age of 23 is a heartbreaking loss for the Colorado football program and the college sports community. His coaches and teammates have expressed their devastation and are coming together to grieve and support one another through this tragedy.