Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Dominiq Ponder was ‘highly intoxicated’ when he died in a fiery car crash last month, an autopsy report has revealed.
The 23-year-old sophomore tragically passed away in the early hours of March 1 after losing control of his 2023 Tesla Model 3 in Boulder County.
According to a report from the Boulder County Coroner, Ponder had a blood-alcohol content level which was over two times the legal limit when he died in the crash. The autopsy report, released by the Coroner’s Office this week, revealed that the quarterback’s BAC was .167g/100 mL, exceeding Colorado’s permissible .08 cap.
The quarterback’s cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries in the accident, according to the report seen by USA Today.
His mother, Catrina Hughes, has since issued a statement encouraging others to use this tragedy as a lesson.
‘What matters most to me is who Dominiq was as a person,’ she wrote. ‘He was a determined student-athlete, a leader, and someone with a huge heart who fiercely loved his family, his teammates, and the game of football.
‘If anything good can come from this loss, it’s the conversations it can start about responsible decision-making, supporting young adults, and making good choices even in ordinary moments. One bad decision can alter everything. Odds are that 95 percent of the population has made the same decision, but got lucky, and most would never admit to it.’
His family has since started a foundation in Ponder’s honor, which they hope can serve as a lesson for young people to make responsible decisions.
Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Dominiq Ponder died in the early hours of March 1 after losing control of his 2023 Tesla Model 3 in Boulder County
An autopsy report has revealed Ponder had a blood-alcohol content level which was over two times the legal limit when he died in the crash
‘A big part of his legacy will be to encourage young people to please make responsible choices and if possible to have the courage to step in for their friends when one of them isn’t thinking clearly for themselves. Kids need to know that it’s ok to intervene, do anything you can do, one small decision can save a life. Don’t be afraid even if it’s uncomfortable. A difficult conversation is easier than a lifetime of loss.
‘That is a big part of why we are starting the Dominiq Ponder 7/22 Foundation, to help student-athletes, support families, and promote awareness so other families hopefully never have to experience this kind of pain.’
‘My hope is always that he is remembered for his character, his perseverance, and the way he showed up for others, not just the worst day of our lives.’
The description of the GoFundMe page for the foundation reads: ‘Inspired by Dominiq’s resilience and character, his family created this foundation to support student athletes, children’s hospitals, families facing medical challenges, and promote responsible decision-making.’
Ponder, who died on Sunday in a car accident, pictured alongside his mother Catrina
Ponder, who transferred from Bethune-Cookman in 2024, was a backup quarterback who made two appearances for the team during the 2025 season.
Last month, audio obtained via Broadcastify revealed the chilling moment when first responders discovered the fiery wreckage of the crash.
In the audio clip, dispatchers were heard relaying frantic information as they initially mistook the car fire for a blown-up transformer.
‘We now have an update saying that the car itself is on fire,’ dispatch is heard saying as the scale of the accident near Baseline Road became clear.
As emergency crews reached the scene, one responder advised that ‘specialized tools’ would be required for extrication, indicating the Tesla was heavily damaged.
‘We do have, again, one car down, off the side of the road. There is one, so far, person in the driver’s seat. Car is not on fire,’ the responder noted.
Later in the recording, Battalion 527 described the incident as an ‘obvious death,’ noting the site remained hazardous due to a downed electric line and a grass fire.
Legendary NFL great and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders was among those who led emotional tributes at the time, describing Ponder as ‘one of my favorites.’
‘Dom was Loved, Respected & a Born Leader,’ Sanders wrote. ‘Lord you’re receiving a good 1. Comfort us Lord Comfort us. Let’s pray for all that knew him.’
Ponder, who transferred from Bethune-Cookman in 2024, was a backup quarterback who made two appearances for the team during the 2025 season.
Fellow quarterback Colton Allen shared a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram, writing: ‘Life is such a blessing from God, but it’s also so short and fragile.’
‘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,’ Allen added.
Ponder had played high school football at Carol City and Naples in Florida before attending Bethune-Cookman via Myrtle Beach Collegiate Academy in South Carolina.
Ponder’s final activity on social media was a repost of a message from Sanders regarding trust in God, a figure he was known to deeply admire.
The quarterback was often seen re-posting messages from ‘Coach Prime’ and appeared to deeply value the leadership and spiritual guidance provided by the NFL icon.
