University of Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder drove with twice the legal limit of alcohol in his system prior to dying in a rollover crash last month.
An autopsy report shows the 23-year-old athlete’s blood-alcohol content was 0.167 g/100 mL, according to USA Today. He died around 3 a.m. on March 1 after reportedly losing control of his 2023 Tesla in Boulder, Co. Authorities said Ponder’s car crashed through a guardrail and hit an electrical pole. It reportedly flipped over at least once.
A coroner’s report called Ponder a “restrained driver involved in a single vehicle collision at a high rate of speed.”
Multiple blunt force injuries were his cause of death.
Ponder planned to begin spring practice the following day. He was to wear the number 7 for the first time having previously sported the number 22 on his jersey.
His family launched the Dominiq Ponder 722 Foundation to honor the college junior.
That initiative aims to “promote responsible decision-making” as well as supporting children’s hospitals and families facing medical issues.
Ponder’s mom, Catrina Hughes, told USA Today her son’s death should remind young people to think before they act.
“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,” she said.
The Colorado Buffaloes honored Ponder for “his life, his spirit, and the light he brought to Boulder” in a statement following the Florida native’s short life.
Colorado’s outspoken coach, former NFL star Deion Sanders, told reporters his team will honor Ponder by wearing a patch on their uniforms during the upcoming football season.