Colorado backup quarterback Dominique Ponder had double the legal limit of alcohol in his system when he crashed his car and died in a single-car crash in Boulder County March 1, according to an autopsy report obtained April 6 by USA TODAY Sports.
The report found Ponder’s blood alcohol content was 0.167 grams/100 mL, more than twice Colorado’s legal limit for driving under the influence. Her family hopes it can serve as a lesson to young people to make responsible decisions. They have started a foundation in Ponder’s honor to raise public awareness. The idea was 23.
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“If something good can come out of this loss, it can start conversations about responsible decision-making, supporting young adults, and making good choices even in ordinary moments,” Ponder’s mother, Katrina Hughes, told USA TODAY Sports. “A big part of his legacy will be to encourage young people to make responsible choices and to step up for their peers when one of them can’t think clearly for themselves. Kids need to know that to get in, get the keys, call a ride, call a parent, speak up, whatever you can do, one small decision can save a life. Nothing easier than a scary conversation. The loss of a lifetime.”
The Boulder County Coroner’s report says Ponder died from multiple blunt force injuries in the crash. “The deceased was a sober driver involved in a single vehicle collision at high speed,” the report said.
Ponder lost control of his 2023 Tesla while negotiating a right-hand curve, crashed through a guardrail, hit a power pole and rolled at least once, according to the Colorado State Patrol. The accident happened around 3 a.m., the day before Ponder’s team opened spring football practice on March 2.
Colorado QB Dominique Ponder died in a car accident on March 1, 2026.
Ponder’s first jersey at practice on March 2 was going to be No. 7, the number he earned after previously wearing No. 22. The foundation started in his honor is named – Dominic Ponder 722 Foundation. Funds raised by the GoFundMe page 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.
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Ponder was a popular backup quarterback in Colorado known for his big personality and smile. Colorado coach Deion Sanders spoke highly of him, saying he was “full of life, respect, hustle and hard work and integrity.”
Colorado plans to honor him with a jersey patch this season. The Buffaloes conclude the spring football season April 11 with an intrasquad scrimmage at Boulder.
“He was a determined student-athlete, a leader, and a person with a big heart who loved his family, his teammates and the game of football very much,” his mother said.
She hopes news of his death will help raise awareness about choices.
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“Hopefully someone learns from this and we can save some lives.”
The Colorado athletic department also released a statement on April 6 noting that it continues to provide support resources to those affected by Ponder’s death, including counseling services for his teammates, coaches and staff.
“CU Athletics is deeply saddened by the loss of Dominic Ponder,” the statement said. “Our thoughts remain with his family, his friends, and his CU football family as we all continue to process this unimaginable loss.”
Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com
(This story was updated to add new information.)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dominique Ponder death: Autopsy report released for Colorado quarterback
