Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Dominiq Ponder dies at 23, with many tributes pouring in
The Colorado Buffaloes quarterback, Dominiq Ponder, has sadly passed away at just 23 years old, his team confirmed. Dominiq, who was born in Houston, Texas, was involved in a car accident early Sunday morning, according to the police. The Colorado State Patrol shared (via Associated Press) that Dominiq lost control of his 2023 Tesla while going around a curve, hitting a guardrail, then an electrical pole, before his car rolled down a nearby hill.
The Colorado Athletics Department honored Dominiq in a heartfelt social media statement. Fernando Lovo, the Director of Athletics, said, “The entire CU Athletics family is heartbroken over the loss of Dominiq. He showed passion, enthusiasm, leadership, toughness, and smarts that his teammates and coaches truly admired. Our thoughts are with his family and teammates during this tough time.”
Deion Sanders, the head coach of the Buffaloes and a two-time Super Bowl winner, also shared his feelings: “God, please comfort the Ponder family, friends, and loved ones. Dom was one of my favorites! He was loved, respected, and a natural leader. Let’s all pray for everyone who knew him and was lucky to be around him. Lord, you’re getting a good one. Please comfort us all.”
Dominiq’s teammate and fellow quarterback Colton Allen wrote a touching message: “Dom, you were such a blessing to so many. You had a way of making everything better and brought so much joy to everyone around you. I’m thankful for every lift, practice, rep, and conversation we shared. I’ll carry those memories with me forever.”