University of Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder has died following a car accident, head coach Deion Sanders confirmed on Sunday. He was 23 years old.
"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."
According to the Colorado State Patrol, the crash occurred around 3 a.m. Sunday in Boulder. Ponder's Tesla lost control on a curve, crossed into the opposite lane, struck a guardrail and an electrical pole, then rolled down an embankment and caught fire. Ponder was pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation is ongoing.
Ponder joined Colorado in 2024 and appeared briefly in two games last season. He had previously been at Bethune Cookman and Georgia Tech.
"The entire CU Athletics family is devastated," said athletic director Fernando Lovo. "He epitomized the values of passion, enthusiasm, leadership, toughness, and intelligence."
An unrated recruit from Florida, Ponder made his collegiate debut last season. He was expected to compete for the starting quarterback position this offseason.