New details have emerged regarding the death of University of Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder in a single-vehicle crash.
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Ponder died on March 1 at the age of 23. He lost control of a Tesla Model 3 at approximately 3 a.m. The vehicle went across the eastbound lane, struck a guardrail and an electrical line pole before rolling down an embankment and catching fire. Ponder died at the scene of the crash.
USA Today has now acquired a copy of the autopsy report. The outlet reports that the Colorado quarterback had twice the legal amount of alcohol in his system (0.167 g/100 mL) at the time of the fatal crash.
The Boulder County Coroner's report stated that the cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries sustained in the early-morning accident.
The family has responded to the tragic crash by launching the Dominiq Ponder 722 Foundation. The numbers represent the late football's first jersey number at Colorado (No. 22) and the number he was set to wear this season (No. 7).
The Florida native spent time with Bethune-Cookman and Georgia Tech before making his way to the University of Colorado. He redshirted his first season with the team and then made his first in-game appearance in 2025. He was set to enter his third season with the program in 2026.
USA Today notes that the football program plans to honor Ponder this season with a jersey patch.
According to the GoFundMe page for the foundation, the goal is to support student-athletes, children's hospitals, and families facing medical emergencies. The foundation also aims to promote responsible decision making.
"Funds raised will go directly toward scholarships for student athletes who demonstrate resilience and character, community awareness initiatives about responsible decision-making, and support for children's hospitals," the campaign organizer wrote.
"By helping launch these programs, donors will be providing immediate assistance to those in need and helping to build a lasting legacy in Dominiq's name."
