According to Boulder County police, Ponder was driving a 2023 Tesla when he lost control on a curve and struck a guardrail. The vehicle then hit an electrical line pole and rolled down an embankment.
Ponder, a 6-foot-5 sophomore from Opa Locka, Florida, began his collegiate career at Bethune-Cookman before transferring to Colorado. He played in two games for the Buffaloes last season.
An unrated Rivals recruit coming out of high school, Ponder was expected to compete for the starting quarterback job this offseason.
“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.”
Colorado athletic director Fernando Lovo released a statement praising Ponder’s character, saying he “epitomized the values of passion, enthusiasm, leadership, toughness, and intelligence that were revered by his teammates and coaches alike.”
Colorado was scheduled to begin spring practice on Monday, the day after Ponder’s death. The program now must navigate grief while honoring a young man taken far too soon.
Dominiq Ponder was 23 years old. He was a quarterback, a teammate, a son, and a friend. And now he’s gone another bright light extinguished too early on a Colorado highway.