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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 indicated 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 emerge from her tragic loss.
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Bethune-Cookman QB Dominiq Ponder takes a throw during the Wildcats spring game on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Daytona Stadium. (IMAGE)
“If any good can come from this loss, it is the conversations that can be started about responsible decision-making, supporting young adults and making good decisions even in normal times,” Catrina Hughes told USA TODAY Sports.
“A big part of your legacy will be encouraging young people to make responsible decisions and have the courage to intervene for their friends when one of them is not thinking clearly for themselves. Children need to know that it is okay to intervene, to take keys, to ask for a ride, to call a parent, to talk, to do anything they can do; a small decision can save a life. Don’t be afraid, even if it is uncomfortable. A difficult conversation is easier than a life of loss.”
Hughes started 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/Image Images)
“Funds raised will go directly toward scholarships for student-athletes who demonstrate resilience and character, community awareness initiatives on responsible decision-making, and support for children’s hospitals,” GoFundMe said of the foundation.
Ponder’s fatal accident occurred at 3 a.m. when he lost control of his 2023 Tesla while negotiating a right curve. Ponder went through a guardrail, struck a power pole and rolled at least once, according to the Colorado State Patrol.
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Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders watches during a timeout in the game against the Utah Utes during the second quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Oct. 25, 2025. (Rob Gray/Image Images)
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders gave an emotional 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.
