MIAMI — A South Florida football star playing collegiately has passed away.
Dominiq Ponder, 23, a quarterback for the University of Colorado Buffaloes, died in a single-vehicle crash near Boulder, Colorado.
Catrina Hughes Ponder told Local 10 News’ Bridgette Matter that her son was the center of her world.
“He was just a good boy. He was a great human being,” she said. “He lived hard and he loved hard.”
The crash is under investigation by the Colorado State Patrol.
Troopers there released photos of the crash showing Ponder’s mangled Tesla.
The crash occurred around 3 a.m. Sunday, when investigators say Ponder lost control of the Tesla before it hit an electric pole, rolled down an embankment and caught fire.
Troopers believe speed was a factor.
The South Florida native was a three-star recruit out of Miami Carol City High School. He also played in Naples.
The backup quarterback appeared in two games last season for Colorado.
Buffaloes Head Coach Dion Sanders posted about the tragedy on X.
God please comfort the Ponder family, friends & Loved ones. 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. #CoachPrime pic.twitter.com/2R7BAVyZ8u
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) March 1, 2026
A GoFundMe page was set up to help Ponder’s family with his funeral expenses.
Ponder’s team in Colorado plans to honor him by wearing a patch on their uniform this coming season.
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