BOULDER, Colo. (AP) 鈥� Colorado had a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit for driving under the influence when he died in a single-car crash near Boulder, according to the autopsy report from the Boulder County Coroner鈥檚 Office.
Ponder, 23, was killed early on March 1 when he lost control on a curve and hit a guardrail. The car he was driving, a 2023 Tesla, struck an electrical line pole and rolled down an embankment.
His blood alcohol level was .167, according to the autopsy report. The limit is 0.08. There is a lower limit, of .05, for driving while ability impaired.
Ponder was pronounced dead at the scene. The autopsy report lists 鈥渕ultiple blunt force injuries鈥� as the cause of death and 鈥渁ccident鈥� as the manner of death.
On Tuesday, the Colorado State Patrol said it’s “conducting a comprehensive investigation which would take a look at factors such as speed, impairment, distracted driving, and more.鈥�
Ponder’s mom, Catrina Hughes, released a statement, saying “what matters most to me is who Dominiq was as a person. 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.
鈥淚f anything good can come from this loss, it鈥檚 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.鈥�
Ponder’s family has started a GoFundMe page and a foundation called 鈥淒ominiq Ponder 7/22.鈥� His foundation will support student-athletes, children’s hospitals and families dealing with medical challenges, and help assist with responsible decision-making.
“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鈥檛 thinking clearly for themselves,鈥� Hughes wrote. 鈥淜ids need to know that it鈥檚 OK to intervene, do anything you can do, one small decision can save a life. Don鈥檛 be afraid even if it鈥檚 uncomfortable. A difficult conversation is easier than a lifetime of loss.鈥�
Ponder played in two games for the Buffaloes last season. The 6-foot-5 sophomore from Florida began his collegiate career at Bethune-Cookman before transferring.
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