Trending Now - Buffs Hold Practice in Memory of QB Following Tragic Accident

WHO:

Dominiq Ponder, 23 years old, quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes football team

Deion Sanders, head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes

Fernando Lovo, athletic director of the University of Colorado

Colton Allen, fellow quarterback at Colorado

Brennan Marion, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Colorado

Kaidon Salter, starting quarterback for Colorado in the previous season

Ivan Alvarado, Patrol Sergeant with the Colorado State Patrol

WHAT:

Dominiq Ponder died in a single-car accident on March 1, 2026.

Ponder was driving a 2023 Tesla Model 3 when he lost control, hit a guardrail, struck an electrical pole, and rolled down an embankment.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Colorado's spring practices were scheduled to begin on March 2, 2026.

The Colorado Buffaloes held practice on March 2, 2026, in memory of Ponder.

WHERE:

The accident occurred on Baseline Road near Newland Court in Boulder County, Colorado.

Colorado Buffaloes football team is based in Boulder, Colorado.

WHEN:

Ponder died early on March 1, 2026, at approximately 3 a.m.

Colorado's spring practices began on March 2, 2026.

WHY:

Speed is suspected as a factor in the accident, according to the Colorado State Patrol.

HOW:

Ponder lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a right-hand curve, leading to the crash.

The Colorado State Patrol is leading the investigation into the accident.

QUOTES:

Deion Sanders: "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."

Fernando Lovo: "The entire CU Athletics family is devastated at the tragic passing of Dominiq Ponder. He epitomized the values of passion, enthusiasm, leadership, toughness, and intelligence that were revered by his teammates and coaches alike. Our hearts go out to his family and all of his teammates during this difficult time."

Colton Allen: "Dom, you were a blessing to so many people... I’ll carry those with me for the rest of my life."

Brennan Marion: "In an era where you have to force people to work hard, you had to tell Dom to stop working so hard."

Tragedy struck the Colorado Buffaloes football team when quarterback Dominiq Ponder died in a single-car accident early last Monday morning in Boulder County, Colorado. Ponder, who was just 23 years old, lost control of his Tesla while navigating a curve, hitting a guardrail and rolling down an embankment, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. In remembrance of Ponder, the team held their spring practice on Tuesday, with head coach Deion Sanders and athletic director Fernando Lovo expressing their deep sorrow over the loss of a beloved player and leader.