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Dominiq Ponder dies at 23: Deion Sanders, college football mourns death of Colorado QB after car crash originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Colorado QB Dominiq Ponder died in the early morning of Sunday, March 1, in a single-car crash, according to police.
Ponder was 23 years old.
The quarterback had been with Colorado for the past two seasons after beginning his career at Bethune-Cookman. Ponder played in two games in 2025, attempting one pass and running twice. Tributes pouring in from coaches and teammates showed that he had a huge impact on the team and locker room.
Here is more on Ponder's death.
Dominiq Ponder dies at 23
Ponder was involved in a single-car crash in the early hours of Sunday, March 1. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dominiq Ponder car crash details
Ponder was driving a 2023 Tesla Model 3. Police say that the quarterback lost control of the car around a curve, and the car went across the eastbound lane and into a guardrail. The car then hit an electrical line pole before rolling down an embankment and catching on fire.
The crash occurred around 3 a.m. in Boulder County. While a thorough police investigation will be conducted, preliminary investigation "shows that speed is suspected as a factor" in the accident.
From the Colorado State Patrol, on the single-vehicle crash early Sunday that claimed the life of Colorado football player Dominiq Ponder, 23. pic.twitter.com/QhB61JOHZO
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) March 2, 2026
Dominiq Ponder cause of death
The Colorado QB's death was the result of a car crash where he was pronounced dead at the scene, but the specific cause of death is unknown.
Deion Sanders statement on Dominiq Ponder
The news first broke on Sunday night when Colorado head coach Deion Sanders posted a statement to his official X account. In his statement, he said, "God please comfort the Ponder family, friends & Loved ones. Dom was one of my favorites! 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. Comfort us Lord Comfort us."
God please comfort the Ponder family, friends & Loved ones. Dom was one of my favorites! 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. Comfort us Lord Comfort us. #CoachPrimepic.twitter.com/2R7BAVyZ8u
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) March 1, 2026
Colorado, college football world mourn death of Dominiq Ponder
Tributes to Ponder have poured in on social media from his teammates, coaches and the college football world.
Colorado offensive coordinator Brennan Marion
A joy to be around & coach! gonna be tough but man this one hurts Lord, getting that call from his dad today didn’t feel real. Love you Dom! God cover his family & our team, especially our qb room! 22 💔 https://t.co/Cw5smDqMdc
— Coach Marion (@BrennanMarion4) March 1, 2026
Colorado QB Colton Allen
Big 12 Conference
The Big 12 Conference is deeply saddened by the passing of Colorado football student-athlete Dominiq Ponder.
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) March 2, 2026
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. pic.twitter.com/W7v2MyBZKl
West Virginia University
West Virginia Football is keeping the Colorado football program, the Ponder family and everyone who loved Dominiq in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. https://t.co/KQEnj5HkVU
— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) March 2, 2026
University of Colorado
The Colorado Football family mourns the passing of Dominiq Ponder.
— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) March 2, 2026
We honor his life, his spirit, and the light he brought to Boulder.
Forever a Buffalo.https://t.co/FwASG1uM8Ipic.twitter.com/yGSLOXZCYC