University of Colorado Quarterback Dies at 23 - What's Known About His Cause of Death

University of Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder has died, the program shared Sunday. Ponder was 23 years old.

A transfer from Bethune-Cookman, Ponder spent two seasons with the Buffaloes. In a press release, Colorado confirmed Ponder died in a tragic car accident.

Possible details on Ponder's death emerge

According to reporter Scott Procter, who covers Colorado for DNVR Buffs, Ponder died in a single-car crash.

"RIP Dominiq Ponder. The Colorado QB passed away in a single-car accident. Tragic news on the eve of spring ball," Procter tweeted Sunday evening.

Additionally, USA TODAY's Brent Schrotenboer says Colorado State Patrol confirmed that a 23-year-old male was killed in a single-car accident in Boulder County around 3 a.m. Sunday morning, but did not release the victim's name.

"Patrol Sergeant Ivan Alvarado said the driver lost control of his 2023 Tesla while negotiating a right-hand curve on Baseline Road near Newland Court," Schrotenboer said. "He said the westbound car went across the eastbound lanes, burst through a guardrail, hit an electrical pole and rolled at least once. The driver was pronounced dead on the scene."

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. #CoachPrime pic.twitter.com/2R7BAVyZ8u

— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) March 1, 2026

Deion Sanders pays tribute to his fallen player

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders shared the sad news about Ponder in a heartfelt X/Twitter message.

"God please comfort the Ponder family, friends & Loved ones," Sanders wrote. "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."

Colton Allen, another quarterback on the Buffaloes' roster, posted his own thoughts on his teammate on Instagram.

"Dom, you were a blessing to so many people," Allen said. "You had a presence about you that just made everything better. You brought so much joy to me and everyone around you. I’m grateful for every lift, every practice, every rep, every conversation we got to share. I’ll carry those with me for the rest of my life."

A native of Opa Locka, Florida, Ponder appeared in two games for Colorado last season, carrying the ball twice and throwing one incompletion. He was 2-of-8 passing for 33 yards and two interceptions in his lone season at Bethune-Cookman in 2023.