College football quarterback Dominiq Ponder dies aged 23
A tragic car accident has claimed the life of promising Colorado quarterback Dominq Pinder, police have said after the incident on Sunday morning. Pinder was just 23 years old.
The University of Colorado sophomore died on Sunday morning following a single-car collision that took place around 3am, with his Buffaloes teammates and coaches sharing their grief at his sudden loss.
Colorado's head coach Deion Sanders posted an emotional statement on X after news broke of the young football star's tragic death, calling on God to comfort his family and sharing that 'Dom was one of my favorites.'
Pinder's coach added: "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.”
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Colorado athletic director Fernando Lovo said: "The entire CU Athletics family is devastated at the tragic passing of Dominiq Ponder.
"He epitomized the values of passion, enthusiasm, leadership, toughness, and intelligence that were revered by his teammates and coaches alike. Our hearts go out to his family and all of his teammates during this difficult time."
Officers from Colorado State Patrol said the college student had been driving a 2023 Tesla Model 3 at the time of the crash, which they stated occurred after he lost control on a bend, causing the car to swerve across lanes.
The Tesla then smashed into a guardrail and electricity pole. It then rolled down an embankment and caught fire. The young quarterback was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officers said that their preliminary investigation into the accident suggested that 'speed is suspected as a factor'.
Pinder was a third-year sophomore who had come to Colorado from his native Florida, playing in the last two seasons for the Buffaloes after after transferring from Bethune-Cookman.
Brennan Marion, Colorado's offensive coordinator, shared Coach Sanders’s statement and described Ponder as a joy to coach. He said: “Getting that call from his dad today didn’t feel real.
“Love you Dom! God cover his family & our team, especially our qb room!”
Pinder was also praised deeply by his teammates, with fellow Colorado quarterback Colton Allen saying in a tribute: “Dom, you were a blessing to so many people.
“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."
William Morgan