Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder died early Sunday morning in a single car crash in Boulder County, according to police. He was 23.

The crash happened around 3 a.m. Sunday, according to the Colorado State Patrol. Police said Ponder was driving a 2023 Tesla Model 3 when he lost control on a curve, crossed the eastbound lane, struck a guardrail and then an electrical line pole, and rolled down an embankment before the vehicle caught fire. Ponder was pronounced dead at the scene. A preliminary investigation “shows that speed is suspected as a factor,” police said, and the crash remains under investigation.

Colorado athletic director Fernando Lovo issued a statement Sunday evening, calling the loss devastating for the program and the university. “The entire CU Athletics family is devastated at the tragic passing of Dominiq Ponder,” Lovo said. “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.”

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Head coach Deion Sanders also posted a tribute. “Dom was one of my favorites!” Sanders wrote. “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.”

Ponder was a third year sophomore from Opa Locka, Florida. He spent the past two seasons with Colorado after transferring from Bethune Cookman. He appeared in two games last season, recording two rushes and a pass attempt, after not playing for the Buffaloes in 2024.

Colorado offensive coordinator Brennan Marion reposted Sanders’ statement and shared his own message after speaking with Ponder’s family. “Getting that call from his dad today didn’t feel real,” Marion posted. “Love you Dom! God cover his family & our team, especially our qb room!”

Fellow Colorado quarterback Colton Allen also paid tribute on Instagram. “Dom, you were a blessing to so many people,” Allen wrote. “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.”

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The Big 12 Conference issued condolences in a social media post.

Colorado is scheduled to open spring practice Monday in Boulder, putting the program in the difficult position of turning the page to football work while processing a sudden death in the quarterback room.

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