University of Colorado Mourns Quarterback Dominiq Ponder After Fatal Crash

Teammates and coaches remember the 23-year-old player who died in a single-vehicle accident near campus.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The University of Colorado community is in mourning after the death of 23-year-old quarterback Dominiq Ponder, who was killed in a car crash early Sunday morning. Ponder lost control of his vehicle, drove through a guardrail, and hit a pole, causing the car to roll and catch fire. The team gathered in Boulder to grieve, with coaches and players meeting privately and vowing to move forward in Ponder's memory, despite the somber mood as they had been preparing to start spring football practice.

Why it matters

Ponder's death is a tragic loss for the University of Colorado football program, which was looking forward to the upcoming season with high expectations. The team must now cope with the sudden and devastating loss of one of their star players, highlighting the fragility of life and the importance of supporting student-athletes through difficult times.

The details

According to the Colorado State Patrol, Ponder was driving on Baseline Road near Newland Court around 3 a.m. when he lost control of his vehicle, drove through a guardrail, and hit a pole, causing the car to roll and catch fire. Ponder, a 23-year-old Florida native, was killed in the accident.

  • The accident occurred early Sunday morning around 3 a.m.
  • Monday was supposed to mark the start of spring football practice for the University of Colorado team.

The players

Dominiq Ponder

The 23-year-old University of Colorado quarterback who was killed in a car crash.

Brennan Marion

An assistant coach for the University of Colorado football team.

Dekalon Taylor

A senior running back for the University of Colorado football team.

Ben Finneseth

A senior safety for the University of Colorado football team.

Deion Sanders

The head coach of the University of Colorado football team.

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What they’re saying

“You see somebody every day, every morning. We'll just save a spot for him in the room.”

— Brennan Marion, Assistant Coach (cbsnews.com)

“It almost didn't feel real to a degree. I feel like I got hit by a train almost.”

— Dekalon Taylor, Senior Running Back (cbsnews.com)

“Yeah, man, I love Dom. He's going to be missed.”

— Ben Finneseth, Senior Safety (cbsnews.com)

“God, please comfort the entire Ponder family during this difficult time. 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.”

— Deion Sanders, Head Coach (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The University of Colorado football team will continue to mourn the loss of Dominiq Ponder as they prepare for the upcoming season, honoring his memory and legacy.

The takeaway

Ponder's tragic death is a devastating loss for the University of Colorado community, highlighting the fragility of life and the importance of supporting student-athletes through difficult times. The team's commitment to moving forward in Ponder's memory demonstrates the strength of their bond and the enduring spirit of the Buffaloes football program.