After the tragic passing of 23-year-old Colorado Buffaloes backup quarterback Dominiq Ponder, surprising details have emerged surrounding the circumstances of his passing.

Dominiq Ponder was involved in an accident on March 1, following which TMZ Sports obtained his medical examiner’s report a month later in early April.

The report revealed that his blood alcohol content was nearly twice the legal limit in Colorado, measured at 0.167 g/100 mL compared to the legal threshold of 0.08. The examiner also cited multiple blunt force injuries sustained in the crash as a contributing factor.

Initially, speed was suspected to be a factor in the incident during the preliminary investigation. 

According to the Colorado State Patrol, Ponder was driving a 2023 Tesla Model 3 on Baseline Road in Boulder County, Colorado. He hit a curve and lost control, causing the car to swerve into the opposite lane. 

After that, head coach Deion Sanders announced Ponder's death on X, sharing a photo as a tribute.

“Dom was one of my favorites! He was Loved, Respected & a Born Leader,” he wrote.

He also delivered a eulogy on March 7, telling Ponder's family, friends, and teammates that he believed Ponder was “chosen” by God to bring them together.

With the revelation that his blood alcohol content was nearly twice the legal limit, the tragedy took a far more jarring turn. In response, however, his family sought to create something meaningful to help others.

Dominiq Ponder Foundation Launched by Family

March 2, the day after the accident, was meant to mark Dominiq Ponder's debut in the No. 7 jersey, earned after previously wearing No. 22, as Colorado Buffaloes opened their spring football practice. 

In memory of that, the Ponder Family started the Dominiq Ponder 722 Foundation, for young people to make responsible decisions. 

“A big part of his legacy will be to encourage young people to please make responsible choices and to have the courage to step in for their friends when one of them isn’t thinking clearly for themselves.” Ponder's mother, Catrina Hughes, told USA TODAY Sports.

The foundation will be focused on helping kids everywhere.

“Kids need to know that it’s OK to step in, take keys, call a ride, call a parent, speak up, do anything you can do, one small decision can save a life. Don’t be afraid even if it’s uncomfortable," she also said. "A difficult conversation is easier than a lifetime of loss.”

A GoFundMe page has also been set up to support the initiative, with funds directed toward student-athlete scholarships.

Read more at the Michigan Football Community

Written by

Monika Khatai

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote