More
    Julian Lewis , Dominiq Ponder - Source: Imagn.
    Julian Lewis , Dominiq Ponder - Source: Imagn.
    Julian Lewis , Dominiq Ponder - Source: Imagn.
    Julian Lewis , Dominiq Ponder - Source: Imagn.

    “There Is Nothing Harder”: Colorado QB Julian Lewis Gets Emotional on Teammate Dominiq Ponder’s Tragic Death

    Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder died at the age of 23 on March 1st. According to the Colorado State Patrol, he died in a car crash that occurred in Boulder County at around 3 am on Sunday. According to the police, he was driving a 2023 Tesla Model 3 when he lost control of the vehicle on a curve. Then the car went across the eastbound lane, striking a guardrail and then an electrical line pole, and afterwards rolled down an embankment and caught on fire.

    Quarterback Julian Lewis reacted to the news this Wednesday in an interaction with the press. Speaking about Ponder, he had this to say:

    “There is nothing harder than losing one of your brothers. Dom was like an older brother to me”

    Lewis also highlighted that, alongside him, Ponder was the only quarterback from last year’s roster to continue with the Buffaloes into 2026. He seemed to imply what that loss of continuity could mean for the team.

    Dominiq Ponder was about to enter his second season with the Colorado Buffaloes and had previously spent a season at Bethune-Cookman. He was rated as a three-star recruit in the class of 2022 by 247Sports.

    PFSN 2026-2027 CFB Playoff Predictor
    Play out the entire college football season with PFSN's CFB Playoff Predictor to see what it means for conference standings and the CFB playoffs!

    Colorado and Deion Sanders React to The News of Dominiq Ponder

    The day of his death, the University of Colorado released the following statement from Athletic Director Fernando Lovo:

    “The entire CU Athletics family is devastated at the tragic passing of Dominiq Ponder,” Colorado Athletic Director Fernando Lovo said in a statement. “He epitomized the values of passion, enthusiasm, leadership, toughness, and intelligence that were revered by his teammates and coaches alike. Our hearts go out to his family and all of his teammates during this difficult time.”

    Deion Sanders also reacted to the news and released a statement of his own on Ponder’s death:

    “Dom was one of my favorites!” Colorado coach Deion Sanders said on Twitter. “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.”

    The statement was shared by Sanders through his X account and was accompanied by a picture of the late player.

    Read more:

    Is Bill Belichick Still Dating Jordon Hudson? Debunking the Viral Breakup Rumor

    ‘Gruden Is Taller Than Him’: Fans React As Vanderbilt Star Diego Pavia Poses With Super Bowl Champ Ahead of NFL Draft

    Jon Sumrall Urges NFL Change in College Football Despite Own Florida Decision

    College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tenniscollege footballmen’s college basketballwomen’s college basketball, and college baseball!

    Related Articles

    More CFB From CSN