BOULDER, Colo. (AP) – Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder died in a single-vehicle car crash early Sunday morning, police said. He was 23.
Ponder was driving a 2023 Tesla when he lost control on a curve and crashed into a guardrail, the Colorado State Patrol said. The car hit a utility pole and rolled down an embankment.
Ponder was pronounced dead at the scene in Boulder County. Police said a preliminary investigation shows speed is likely a factor.
Ponder played in two games for the Buffaloes last season, going 0-for-1 passing and carrying the ball twice for a loss of four yards. The 6-foot-2 sophomore from Opa Locka, Florida, started his collegiate career at Bethune-Cookman before transferring.
The Buffs were scheduled to start spring training on Monday.
“God please comfort Ponder’s family, friends and loved ones,” Colorado coach Deion Sanders posted on X. “Dom was one of my favorites! He was loved, respected and a born leader. Let us pray for all who knew him and had the opportunity to be in his presence. Lord, you receive a good 1.”
Colorado offensive coordinator Brennan Marion reposted Sanders’ statement, calling Ponder a joy to be around and coach.
“That phone call from his father today didn’t feel real,” Marion said posted. “I love you, Dom! God protect his family and our team, especially our QB room!”
Fellow Colorado quarterback Colton Allen also paid tribute to Ponder on Instagram.
“Dom, you were a blessing to so many people,” Allen wrote. “You had a presence that just made everything better. You brought so much joy to me and everyone around you. I am grateful for every lift, every practice, every rep, every conversation we shared. I will carry that with me for the rest of my life.”
The Big 12 Conference also expressed its condolences in a message on X.
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