'Don't drink and drive': Deion Sanders speaks about death of QB Dominiq Ponder

University of Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder, who was killed in a single-car crash in March, had a blood alcohol level of more than twice the legal limit when he died, according to an autopsy report released by the Boulder County coroner.

The crash happened early in the morning of March 1. Colorado State Patrol said Ponder was driving a Tesla Model 3 on Baseline Road near Newland Court at about 3 a.m. when he lost control on a curve. The Tesla hit a guardrail and an electrical pole, rolled, and caught fire, CSP said. Ponder died on the scene. No one else was in the car.

An autopsy report says Ponder died of blunt force injuries. He had a blood alcohol content of 0.167, the autopsy report says. The legal limit for driving in Colorado is 0.08.

Troopers said the preliminary investigation indicated speed may have been a factor in the crash. Wednesday, CSP said their investigation into the crash is ongoing, and said investigators "have not ruled out impairment."

Ponder, as a sophomore, played two games for the Buffs during the 2025 season, making his collegiate debut at home against Arizona. He came to Colorado as an undergraduate transfer from Bethune-Cookman University in Florida, his home state. He redshirted his first season at CU.

"CU Athletics remains deeply saddened by the loss of Dominiq Ponder," CU Athletics said in a statement Tuesday. "Our thoughts continue to be with his family, his friends, and his CU football family as we all continue to process this unimaginable loss."