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Chilling dispatch audio has revealed the moment first responders discovered the fiery wreckage of the crash that killed Colorado Buffaloes star Dominiq Ponder.
The 23-year-old sophomore tragically died in the early hours of Sunday morning in Boulder after losing control of his 2023 Tesla Model 3.
In audio obtained via Broadcastify, dispatchers are heard relaying frantic information as they initially mistook the car fire for a blown-up transformer.
‘We now have an update saying that the car itself is on fire,’ dispatch is heard saying as the scale of the accident near Baseline Road became clear.
As emergency crews reached the scene, one responder advised that ‘specialized tools’ would be required for extrication, indicating the Tesla was heavily damaged.
‘We do have, again, one car down, off the side of the road. There is one, so far, person in the driver’s seat. Car is not on fire,’ the responder noted.
Colorado Buffaloes are mourning the death of their quarterback Dominiq Ponder
Ponder, 23, was a backup quarterback at Colorado who played twice for the team in 2025
Later in the recording, Battalion 527 described the incident as an ‘obvious death,’ noting the site remained hazardous due to a downed electric line and a small grass fire.
The Colorado Buffaloes are now in mourning for the young signal-caller, who originally hailed from Opa Locka, Florida, and was a third-year sophomore.
Authorities believe Ponder may have been speeding at a right-hand curve before crashing through a guardrail, hitting a power line and rolling down an embankment.
Legendary NFL great and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders led the emotional tributes on Sunday evening, describing Ponder as ‘one of my favorites.’
‘Dom was Loved, Respected & a Born Leader,’ Sanders wrote. ‘Lord you’re receiving a good 1. Comfort us Lord Comfort us. Let’s pray for all that knew him.’
Ponder, who transferred from Bethune-Cookman in 2024, was a backup quarterback who made two appearances for the team during the 2025 season.
Fellow quarterback Colton Allen shared a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram, writing: ‘Life is such a blessing from God, but it’s also so short and fragile.’
‘I’m grateful for every lift, every practice, every rep, every conversation we got to share. I’ll carry those with me for the rest of my life,’ Allen added.
Ponder’s teammates and coaches also paid tribute to him after the news emerged of his death
Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders led the tributes to Ponder on Sunday night
Offensive coordinator Brennan Marion revealed the pain of the loss, admitting that ‘getting that call from his dad today didn’t feel real’ while asking God to cover the team.
Colorado State Patrol confirmed on Monday that the investigation into the single-car accident is ongoing as the campus community seeks answers following the loss.
Despite the tragedy, the Buffaloes reportedly continued with their scheduled spring practice on Monday in Boulder to honor their fallen teammate’s memory.
The university has confirmed that counseling services are being made available to Ponder’s teammates and coaching staff during this incredibly difficult time.
Ponder had played high school football at Carol City and Naples in Florida before attending Bethune-Cookman via Myrtle Beach Collegiate Academy in South Carolina.
Ponder’s final activity on social media was a repost of a message from Sanders regarding trust in God, a figure he was known to deeply admire.
The quarterback was often seen re-posting messages from ‘Coach Prime’ and appeared to deeply value the leadership and spiritual guidance provided by the NFL icon.
Colorado officials say they are doing everything possible to support the Ponder family, friends, and loved ones as the football world reacts to the news.
