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Colorado sophomore quarterback Dominiq Ponder, 23, 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 level was 0.167 g/100 ml, according to an autopsy report obtained by USA TODAY Sports. The Boulder County coroner’s report states that Ponder’s cause of death was due to multiple blunt force injuries during an accident.
Ponder’s mother said she hoped conversations about decision-making could come from her 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. (IMAGINE)
“If anything positive can come from this loss, it’s the conversations it can start about responsible decision-making, supporting young adults and making good choices even in ordinary times,” Catrina Hughes told USA TODAY Sports.
“A big part of his legacy will be encouraging young people to make responsible choices and to have the courage to stand in for their friends when one of them isn’t thinking clearly for themselves. Kids need to know that it’s okay to step up, take the keys, call a driver, call a parent, speak up, do whatever you can do, one small decision can save a life. Don’t be afraid even if it’s uncomfortable. A difficult conversation is easier than a lifetime of loss.”
Hughes established a foundation in his honor, the Dominiq Ponder 722 Foundation.
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Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during the first quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones at Folsom Field on October 11, 2025. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)
“Funds raised will go directly to scholarships for student-athletes who demonstrate resilience and character, community awareness initiatives for responsible decision-making, and support for children’s hospitals,” GoFundMe said of the foundation.
Ponder’s fatal crash occurred at 3 a.m. when he lost control of his 2023 Tesla on a right turn. Ponder went through a guardrail, hit a utility pole and rolled at least once, according to the Colorado State Patrol.
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Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders watches a timeout during the game against the Utah Utes during the second quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium on October 25, 2025. (Rob Gray/Imagn Images)
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders delivered a moving eulogy at Ponder’s funeral.
Ponder had been a quarterback with Colorado in Sanders’ first season as head coach and appeared in two games last season.
