Boulder, Colo.– colorado quarterback dominic ponder When he died in a car accident near Boulder, his blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit for driving under the influence, according to an autopsy report from the Boulder County Coroner’s Office.
Ponder, 23, died on the morning of March 1 when he lost control on a turn and crashed into a guardrail. The car he was driving, a 2023 Tesla, struck a power line pole and rolled down an embankment.
According to the autopsy report, his blood alcohol level was .167. The limit is 0.08. .05 is the lower limit for driving while impaired.
Ponder was pronounced dead at the scene. The autopsy report listed the cause of death as “multiple blunt force injuries” and the manner of death as “accident.”
On Tuesday, the Colorado State Patrol said it was conducting “an extensive investigation that will look at factors such as speed, impairment, distracted driving and others.”
Ponder’s mother Katrina Hughes released a statement saying, “What matters most to me is who Dominic was as a person. He was a determined student-athlete, a leader, and a man with a big heart who loved his family, his teammates, and the game of football.
“If anything good can come from this loss, it’s the conversation it starts about making responsible decisions, supporting young adults, and making good choices even in ordinary moments. One bad decision can change everything.”
Ponder’s family has started a GoFundMe page and a foundation called “Dominic Ponder 7/22”. His foundation will support student-athletes, children’s hospitals and families dealing with medical challenges, and assist in responsible decision-making.
Hughes wrote, “A big part of his legacy will be to encourage young people to make responsible choices and to have the courage to step up for their friends, if possible, when one of them is not thinking clearly for themselves.” “Children need to know that it’s OK to intervene, do whatever you can, one small decision can save a life. Even if it’s uncomfortable, don’t be afraid. One difficult conversation is easier than a lifetime of damage.”
Ponder played in two games for the Buffaloes last season. The 6-foot-5 sophomore from Florida begins his collegiate career bethune-cookman Before transferring.
