University of Colorado Quarterback Dies at 23 in Car Accident

Dominiq Ponder, a transfer from Bethune-Cookman, spent two seasons with the Buffaloes before his tragic passing.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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University of Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder has died at the age of 23 in a reported single-car accident. Ponder, a transfer from Bethune-Cookman, spent two seasons with the Buffaloes football program. Colorado head coach Deion Sanders and Ponder's teammates have shared heartfelt tributes, praising his leadership and spirit.

Why it matters

The death of a young college athlete is always tragic, and Ponder's passing has deeply impacted the Colorado football community. As a transfer student, Ponder's story highlights the challenges student-athletes can face when adjusting to a new program and environment. This incident also raises awareness about the risks associated with driving, especially for young adults.

The details

According to reports, Ponder died in a single-car accident that occurred around 3 a.m. on Sunday morning in Boulder County. The Colorado State Patrol confirmed that the 23-year-old male driver lost control of his 2023 Tesla, crossed the eastbound lanes, burst through a guardrail, hit an electrical pole, and rolled at least once. Ponder was pronounced dead at the scene.

  • Ponder died in the single-car accident around 3 a.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2026.
  • Ponder spent two seasons with the Colorado Buffaloes football program after transferring from Bethune-Cookman.

The players

Dominiq Ponder

A 23-year-old quarterback who spent two seasons with the University of Colorado Buffaloes football team after transferring from Bethune-Cookman.

Deion Sanders

The head coach of the University of Colorado Buffaloes football team, who shared a heartfelt tribute to Ponder following his passing.

Colton Allen

A quarterback on the University of Colorado Buffaloes roster, who posted a tribute to Ponder on Instagram.

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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, University of Colorado Buffaloes (X/Twitter)

“Dom, you were a blessing to so many people. 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, University of Colorado Buffaloes (Instagram)

What’s next

The Colorado State Patrol is investigating the single-car accident that led to Dominiq Ponder's death.

The takeaway

The tragic passing of Dominiq Ponder at just 23 years old has deeply impacted the University of Colorado football community. As they mourn the loss of a talented player and beloved teammate, this incident serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.