Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder dies in a car crash at 23 — dominiq ponder confirmed dead
Colorado quarterback dominiq ponder, 23, died this weekend, head coach Deion Sanders confirmed Sunday afternoon. Sanders posted an emotional message on social media on March 1, 2026, asking for comfort for Ponder's family and calling him “one of my favorites. ”
Crash details in Boulder
The Colorado State Patrol said Ponder was involved in a car crash around 3 a. m. on Sunday in Boulder. The Tesla that Ponder was driving lost control on a right-hand curve, went across the opposite lane and hit a guardrail before crashing into an electrical line pole, the patrol said. The vehicle then rolled down an embankment and caught fire. Ponder was pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation is ongoing.
Dominiq Ponder background
Ponder first landed at Colorado in 2024, and he appeared briefly in two games last season in a backup role. He made his collegiate debut last season late in the Buffaloes' game against Arizona. Ponder also spent time at Bethune Cookman and Georgia Tech before arriving in Boulder, but did not play and redshirted. He came out of Opa Locka, Florida, and was an unrated Rivals recruit coming out of high school.
Reaction from coach and conference
Deion Sanders confirmed Ponder's death on Sunday afternoon and wrote on social media: “God please comfort the Ponder family, friends and loved ones, ” Sanders wrote on social media. “Dom was one of my favorites! He was loved, respected and a born leader. Let’s pray for all that knew him and had the opportunity to be in his presence. ” Sanders' message was posted March 1, 2026.
The Big 12 Conference issued a statement March 2, 2026: “The Big 12 Conference is deeply saddened by the passing of Colorado football student-athlete Dominiq Ponder. We extend our condolences to the Ponder family and Dominiq’s loved ones. Our thoughts are with the entire CU community during this difficult time. ”
Statement from athletic director
Athletic director Fernando Lovo said: "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. "
