Dominiq Ponder, backup quarterback at University of Colorado (CU), was found dead in a single-car crash on Mar. 1, 2026.
Colorado State Patrol reported at 3:10 a.m. Ponder lost control of his 2023 Tesla Model 3 on a curve; the car struck a guardrail and an electrical pole. The car rolled into an embankment, where it burst into flames.
“Confirm route to Baseline and Newland Court for a transformer on fire,” a dispatcher can be heard saying over the Boulder County Sheriff and fire radio broadcast at 3:01 a.m.
At 3:23 a.m., firefighters and police officers announced the death of Ponder over the radio.
Colorado coaches, along with many others, took to social media. Head coach Deion Sanders, the University of Central Florida (UCF) and Ryan Staub (former Colorado quarterback) were among commenters.
“God please comfort the Ponder family, friends & loved ones. Dom was one of my favorites!,” Coach Sanders said on X (formally Twitter).
Sanders also called Ponder a favorite of his and a true leader.
“Our prayers are with Dominiq and the Ponder family along with all in the Colorado football program,” UCF said on behalf of Ponder’s death.
His team decided as a group to proceed with spring practice the day after his death. They ended their practice paying respects to Ponder.
“It’s sad not being able to protect him (Ponder) on the field,” Yahya Attia, offensive lineman said the day after the accident. “I still don’t really realize it. I don’t want to believe it yet.”
Coming out of high school in Opa Locka, Fla., Ponder was ranked as the No. 164 quarterback in the nation.
Ponder committed to Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Fla, where he didn’t have any playing time. He transferred to The University of Colorado in 2024, again not seeing the field. However, during his college football season, Ponder played in two games.
He made his collegiate debut at home against Arizona; playing again the following week on the road against West Virginia.
Friends and family gathered in the Glen Miller Ballroom on the CU Boulder campus to remember his life and legacy.
