Colorado Quarterback Dominiq Ponder Dies in Car Crash at 23

The Colorado State Patrol said Ponder lost control of his Tesla and hit a guardrail before rolling down an embankment.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 7:39pm

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Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder, 23, died early Sunday morning in a single-car crash in Boulder County. The Colorado State Patrol said Ponder was driving a 2023 Tesla when he lost control of the car, hit a guardrail, and rolled down an embankment. Ponder was pronounced dead at the scene, and police said speed is suspected as a factor in the crash.

Why it matters

Ponder's death is a tragic loss for the Colorado Buffaloes football program and the broader college sports community. As a young athlete with a promising future, his passing raises questions about player safety and the risks inherent in high-speed driving.

The details

According to the Colorado State Patrol, Ponder was driving in Boulder County when he lost control of his Tesla on a curve, hit a guardrail, struck an electrical line pole, and rolled down an embankment. First responders pronounced him dead at the scene, and police said a preliminary investigation indicates speed was a factor in the crash.

  • Ponder died early Sunday morning, March 1, 2026.
  • Colorado was set to begin spring practice on Monday, March 2, 2026.

The players

Dominiq Ponder

A 23-year-old third-year sophomore quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes football team, originally from Opa Locka, Florida.

Deion Sanders

The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes football team.

Fernando Lovo

The athletic director for the University of Colorado.

Brennan Marion

The offensive coordinator for the Colorado Buffaloes football team.

Colton Allen

A fellow quarterback on the Colorado Buffaloes football team.

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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.”

— Deion Sanders, Head Coach, Colorado Buffaloes

“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

“Getting that call from his dad today didn't feel real. Love you Dom! God cover his family & our team, especially our QB room!”

— Brennan Marion, Offensive Coordinator, Colorado Buffaloes

“You had a presence about you that just made everything better. You brought so much joy to me and everyone around you. I'm grateful for every lift, every practice, every rep, every conversation we got to share. I'll carry those with me for the rest of my life.”

— Colton Allen, Quarterback, Colorado Buffaloes

What’s next

The Colorado State Patrol is continuing its investigation into the cause of the crash, with a focus on determining if speed was a primary factor.

The takeaway

Ponder's tragic death at just 23 years old is a devastating loss for the Colorado football program and the broader college sports community. His passing serves as a somber reminder of the risks inherent in high-speed driving and the importance of player safety, even for young athletes with promising futures.