Henry Ruggs III: Four Years After the Fatal Las Vegas DUI

The promising NFL career of former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III was tragically cut short by a fatal DUI crash in November 2021. More than four years later, the incident continues to resonate deeply within the Las Vegas community, serving as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving. This post delves into the details of the crash, Ruggs’s legal journey, and his current status.

From Raiders Star to Tragic Fall

Henry James Ruggs III, a Montgomery, Alabama native, was a celebrated athlete in high school before joining the University of Alabama’s football program. His decision to play for Alabama was influenced by a personal tragedy: the death of his close friend and teammate, Roderic Scott, in a car crash. Ruggs aimed to honor Scott through his athletic achievements.

Drafted 12th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2020 NFL Draft, Ruggs was the first wide receiver picked that season. He quickly became a new father, welcoming daughter Kenzli Re’Nai Ruggs with his longtime girlfriend, Je’nai Kilgo-Washington, in May 2020. He played one and a half seasons with the Raiders before the life-altering accident.

The Fatal Las Vegas Collision

In the early hours of November 2, 2021, near Spring Valley Parkway in Las Vegas, Ruggs rear-ended a 2013 Toyota RAV4 at an excessive speed of 156 miles per hour. The collision tragically killed the Toyota’s driver, 23-year-old Tina Tintor, and her golden retriever, Max, when her vehicle burst into flames.

Authorities reported that Ruggs had a blood alcohol content of .161, more than twice the legal limit, two hours after the crash. A loaded firearm was also found in his 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. Ruggs and Kilgo-Washington were hospitalized for their injuries, after which Ruggs was charged, and subsequently released from the Las Vegas Raiders organization.

Charges, Plea, and Prison Sentence

Initially, Ruggs faced charges including DUI causing death, felony reckless driving, DUI causing substantial injury to his girlfriend, and a misdemeanor gun charge. On May 10, 2023, he pleaded guilty to one count of DUI resulting in death and one count of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter, leading to the dismissal of the other charges.

Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson stated that the plea agreement achieved critical goals, emphasizing the seriousness of a death caused by a drunk driver. On August 9, 2023, Ruggs received a sentence of three to ten years in prison. During his sentencing, Ruggs apologized to Tintor’s family for his “selfish behavior” and the immense “pain and suffering” he caused, also acknowledging that he let down his family, teammates, and those who believed in him.

Key Events Timeline

Where is Henry Ruggs Now?

Henry Ruggs is currently serving his sentence at the Stewart Conservation Camp in northern Nevada. Since June 2024, he has been working as a community trusty at the Nevada Governor’s Mansion, undertaking tasks like groundskeeping, cleaning, and event setup for $2.50 an hour. This work program may contribute to his eligibility for time served.

Ruggs will be eligible for parole on August 5, 2026. Despite his incarceration, his former Raiders teammate Josh Jacobs revealed in April 2025 that Ruggs is training in prison with the aspiration of potentially returning to football. Jacobs noted Ruggs’s consistent positive outlook.

A Potential NFL Return?

The possibility of Ruggs returning to the NFL is not entirely dismissed. History shows that other NFL players, including Michael Vick, Josh Brent, Leonard Little, and Donte Stallworth, who faced legal consequences for severe incidents, managed to return to the league. Whether Ruggs can navigate this challenging path remains to be seen upon his release.

FAQs About Henry Ruggs III

• Where is Henry Ruggs III now?
  He is serving his prison sentence at the Stewart Conservation Camp in northern Nevada, working as a community trusty.
• What was Henry Ruggs’ sentence?
  He was sentenced to three to ten years in prison for DUI resulting in death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter.
• When is Henry Ruggs eligible for parole?
  He will be eligible for parole on August 5, 2026.
• Will Henry Ruggs play in the NFL again?
  While he was released from the Raiders, a return to the NFL is considered possible, with precedents from other players. He is reportedly training with this goal.
• Who was the victim in the crash?
  Tina Tintor, a 23-year-old woman, and her golden retriever, Max, tragically died in the collision.

The tragic story of Henry Ruggs III serves as a powerful and enduring lesson for our Las Vegas community about accountability and the grave dangers of driving under the influence.

Henry Ruggs III Fatal Las Vegas DUI Four Years Later