Emergency dispatch audio from first responders in the accident involving University of Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Dominiq Ponder has been released, detailing the scene of the deadly car crash.
Ponder died at the age of 23 in a single-car crash in Boulder, Col., early Sunday after losing control of the 2023 Tesla Model 3 he was driving, according to Colorado State Patrol.
The crash occurred when the quarterback, who was heading west on Baseline Road, tried to take a curved right-hand turn but swerved the vehicle into the eastbound lane and plowed through a guardrail.
The vehicle then struck an electrical line pole and rolled down into an embankment, where it burst into flames, police had said in a news release on Sunday.
Speed was “suspected” to be a factor in the crash, police said.
What did the dispatch audio say?
According to the dispatch audio, which was obtained by the New York Post, a call initially came in at 3:01 a.m. regarding a transformer on fire in the area.
The dispatcher added a few minutes later that witnesses called in about a “glow” above the scene which, the dispatcher said, could be the result of a car on fire.
“You’re responding to Baseline and Newland, Baseline and Newland in the area for what we now believe is going to be a car accident that has caused the transformer to blow,” the dispatcher said. “Several RPs advise that they can see a glow from it.”
“We now have an update saying that the car itself is on fire,” she confirmed shortly after.
Roughly 10 minutes later, a first responder reported finding Ponder in the driver’s seat of the car, but also said that the vehicle was not, in fact, on fire.
“There is one, so far, person in the driver’s seat,” he said. “Car is not on fire, we’re going to be attempting to extricate as well.”
A few minutes later, the firefighter said that Ponder was “unconscious, not breathing,” before adding “this is going to be an obvious death.”
According to the Post, Ponder’s body was taken to the Boulder County Coroner’s Office for autopsy. The crash remains under investigation.
What did coach Deion Sanders say about Ponder?
Colorado Buffaloes football head coach Deion Sanders announced the news of Ponder’s death on social media, calling the QB one of his favourites.
“God please comfort the Ponder family, friends & Loved ones,” Sanders wrote. “Dom was one of my favourites! 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. Comfort us Lord Comfort us.”
“The entire CU Athletics family is devastated at the tragic passing of Dominiq Ponder,” Colorado athletic director Fernando Lovo told ESPN 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.”
The football program’s official social media account also posted a tribute, writing that the team will “honour his life, his spirit, and the light he brought to Boulder.”
What was Ponder’s role on the team?
Ponder began his college career at Bethune-Cookman University in Florida before transferring to Colorado, where he spent the past two seasons.
The native of Opa Locka, Fla., served as a backup for the Buffaloes, playing in two games last season while recording two rushes and a pass attempt.
Despite Ponder’s tragic death, the team elected to take the field on Monday for its first scheduled spring practice after being given the option by Sanders to skip the session.
Defensive back Ben Finneseth said that it was what Ponder would’ve wanted.
“Everything that we’re going to do moving forward is for him,” Finneseth said. “It was tough, meeting together (Sunday), everybody, and knowing what happened. Coach Prime asked us if we wanted to work (Monday).
“We decided, as a team, Dom wouldn’t miss the day. He wouldn’t miss the day of workouts. That’s what he would’ve wanted for us. He would have said, ‘Life’s got to move on. We’ve got championships to win and we still have goals, and the clocks are still rolling.’”