Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Dominiq Ponder has died at the age of 23 following a single-car crash in Boulder County early on Sunday morning, police have confirmed.
The Colorado State Patrol said Ponder lost control of his Tesla on a curve and struck a guardrail. The car then hit an electrical line pole and rolled down an embankment before catching fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A preliminary investigation suggests speed was a suspected factor.
Colorado athletic director Fernando Lovo paid tribute, saying the entire athletics department was devastated by the loss. He described Ponder as a player who epitomised passion, enthusiasm, leadership, toughness and intelligence, and offered condolences to his family and teammates.
Ponder, a 6ft 5in sophomore from Florida, played in two games for the Buffaloes last season. He began his collegiate career at Bethune-Cookman before transferring to Colorado in 2024. The team were due to begin spring practice on Monday.
Head coach Deion Sanders posted on X that Ponder was one of his favourites, a born leader who was loved and respected. Offensive coordinator Brennan Marion said Ponder was a joy to coach, while fellow quarterback Colton Allen paid tribute on Instagram, recalling the positive presence Ponder brought to every interaction.
