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Colorado sophomore quarterback Dominiq Ponder, the 23-year-old who died in a car crash last month, reportedly had twice the legal limit of alcohol in his system when he crashed.
Ponder’s blood alcohol content was 0.167 g/100 ml, according to an autopsy report obtained by USA TODAY Sports. The Boulder County Coroner’s report stated that Ponder’s cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries in an accident.
Ponder’s mother said she hopes conversations about decision-making can come from his tragic loss.
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Bethune-Cookman QB Dominiq Ponder takes a snap during the Wildcats’ spring game Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Daytona Stadium. (IMAGIN)
“If anything good can come out of this loss, it’s the conversations it can start about responsible decision-making, supporting young adults and making good choices even in ordinary moments,” Catrina Hughes told USA TODAY Sports.
“A big part of his legacy will be encouraging young people to make responsible choices and have the courage to stand up for their friends when one of them isn’t thinking clearly for themselves. Kids need to know that it’s OK to step in, pick up keys, call a parent, call a parent, speak up, do whatever you can do, one small decision can save a life, even if it’s not a difficult conversation. lifetime of loss.”
Hughes started a foundation in his honor, the Dominiq Ponder 722 Foundation.
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Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders in the first quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones at Folsom Field on Oct. 11, 2025. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)
“Funds raised will go directly to scholarships for student athletes who demonstrate resilience and character, community awareness initiatives about responsible decision-making, and support for children’s hospitals,” GoFundMe said of the fund.
Ponder’s fatal crash happened at 3 a.m. when he lost control of his 2023 Tesla while rounding a right curve. Ponder went through a guardrail, hit a power pole and rolled at least once, according to the Colorado State Patrol.
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Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders looks on during a time out in the second quarter of the game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Oct. 25, 2025. (Rob Gray/Imagn Images)
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders gave an emotional eulogy at Ponder’s funeral.
Ponder had been a walk-on quarterback with Colorado in Sanders’ first season as head coach and appeared in two games last season.
