Henry Ruggs III Addresses Fatal DUI Crash, Offers Public Apology
Former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III, currently serving a prison sentence for a fatal drunk driving crash, recently made a public apology to the family of the woman killed in the collision. Ruggs spoke at a “Hope for Prisoners” event in Las Vegas while granted a special release from correctional custody.
The incident occurred in the early hours of November 2, 2021. Authorities reported Ruggs was driving his Chevrolet Corvette at speeds reaching an estimated 156 mph—more than three times the posted 45 mph speed limit—with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) measured at 0.16%, twice the legal limit in Nevada. His vehicle collided with a Toyota RAV-4 driven by 23-year-old Tina Tintor. The crash trapped Tintor and her dog, Max, inside her burning SUV; both died from thermal injuries. Ruggs and his girlfriend also sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The promising NFL career of the former first-round draft pick ended abruptly the day after the crash when the Raiders released him.
Emotional Apology at Hope for Prisoners Event
Addressing the audience at the Hope for Prisoners event, an organization focused on assisting formerly incarcerated individuals with reintegration, Ruggs expressed profound regret for the tragic events. When asked what he would say to the Tintor family, he responded emotionally, “One, I wish I could turn back the hands of time.”
He continued, “I would love for them to meet the real Henry Ruggs and not the one that was escaping from something.” According to reports, Ruggs later clarified that he felt he was “escaping” the immense pressure associated with being a first-round NFL draft pick at the time of the crash. He also acknowledged the ongoing pain his public profile causes the family, stating, “I sincerely apologize for not only being a part of that situation, but the fact my face is always in the news, it’s always in the newspaper. So they have to constantly be reminded of the situation, be reminded of me.”
This recent apology echoes a similar statement Ruggs made directly to the court during his sentencing in 2023, where he also expressed sincere remorse for the pain and suffering caused by his actions.
Legal Proceedings and Sentence
In May 2023, Ruggs pleaded guilty to felony DUI causing death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter as part of a plea agreement. He received a prison sentence ranging from three to 10 years in August 2023. According to Nevada Department of Corrections records, he is eligible for parole consideration starting August 5, 2026, with a consideration window extending through July 4, 2027.
Victim’s Family Shares Poignant Statement
At the time of Ruggs’ sentencing, Tina Tintor’s mother, Mirjana Komazec, shared a poignant statement, read in court by her cousin, David Strbac. Her words conveyed a complex mix of grief and unexpected grace: “We pray that Henry Ruggs is blessed with the opportunity to be able watch his beautiful daughter grow into the amazing woman she can be,” she said. Komazec also expressed hope that the tragedy could lead to broader positive change, adding, “And we pray that this terrible accident inspires positive change in the world. We pray that we all take away the importance of looking out for one another, remembering everyone we meet is another human’s loved one.”
Hopes for the Future
Despite his current circumstances, Ruggs, now 26, addressed the possibility of an NFL comeback. He stated he “would love to” return, adding he is in a “newfound spiritual space” and feels “confident in who I am and what I can do.” Former teammate Josh Jacobs, who played with Ruggs at both Alabama and with the Raiders, has reportedly spoken to NFL teams on Ruggs’ behalf. Jacobs indicated in a recent interview that a couple of franchises seemed open to considering Ruggs for a roster spot if he is paroled, offering him the advice to “not look back, and prove to yourself and prove to everybody that one decision don’t define you.”
