Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder dies in a car crash

Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Dominiq Ponder died in a single-car crash over the weekend. Ponder was driving a 2023 Tesla on March 1 when he lost control on a right-hand curve, struck a guardrail, and hit an electrical pole, Colorado State Police confirmed to USA Today.RELATED: Ole Miss freshman football player Corey Adams fatally shot in TennesseeThe 23-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene in Boulder County. Police said a preliminary investigation "shows that speed is suspected as a factor," the Associated Press reportedAccording to the AP, Ponder, a backup quarterback, played in two games for the Buffaloes last season He was a sophomore from Opa Locka, Florida, and began his collegiate career at Bethune-Cookman before transferring.Colorado was scheduled to begin spring practice on Monday."God please comfort the Ponder family, friends & Loved ones," Colorado head coach Deion Sanders wrote on X. "Dom was one of my favorites! He was Loved, Respected & a Born Leader. Let’s pray for all that knew him & had the opportunity to be in his presence. Lord you’re receiving a good 1. Comfort us Lord Comfort us."The Colorado Buffaloes football team also posted a message on Sunday about Dominiq Ponder writing "The Colorado Football family mourns the passing of Dominiq Ponder. We honor his life, his spirit, and the light he brought to Boulder. Forever a Buffalo."Colorado offensive coordinator Brennan Marion reposted Sanders’ statement and called Ponder a joy to be around and coach."Getting that call from his dad today didn’t feel real," Marion posted. "Love you Dom! God cover his family & our team, especially our qb room!"Colorado athletic director Fernando Lovo said Ponder "epitomized the values of passion, enthusiasm, leadership, toughness, and intelligence that were revered by his teammates and coaches alike." The athletic department said it would make counseling resources available to players and staff.Fellow Colorado quarterback Colton Allen also paid tribute to Ponder on Instagram."Dom, you were a blessing to so many people," Allen wrote. "You had a presence about you that just made everything better. You brought so much joy to me and everyone around you. I’m grateful for every lift, every practice, every rep, every conversation we got to share. I’ll carry those with me for the rest of my life."The Big 12 Conference also extended its condolences on Ponder in a post on X. "The Big 12 Conference is deeply saddened by the passing of Colorado football student-athlete Dominiq Ponder. We extend our condolences to the Ponder family and Dominiq’s loved ones. Our thoughts are with the entire CU community during this difficult time."