The Tragic Downfall Of Henry Ruggs III: A Timeline Of The Fatal Raiders Wide Receiver Car Crash And His Life In Prison

The tragic story of former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III remains one of the most devastating and high-profile legal cases involving a professional athlete in recent memory. The promising career of the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft came to an abrupt, horrific end following a deadly DUI-related car crash in November 2021. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the irreversible consequences of driving under the influence, forever altering the lives of the victim’s family, Ruggs, and the Raiders organization.

As of December 2025, Henry Ruggs III is serving a three-to-10-year sentence in a Nevada correctional facility, having pleaded guilty to felony DUI resulting in death and vehicular manslaughter. The legal proceedings concluded in August 2023, but the story continues to evolve with recent updates regarding his life behind bars, including a major academic achievement and a public apology to the victim’s family, providing a fresh perspective on his ongoing incarceration.

Henry Ruggs III: Biography and Career Profile

Henry James Ruggs III was one of the NFL's brightest young stars, known for his elite, world-class speed, which made him a dynamic threat on the field. His journey from a high school standout to an NFL first-round pick was filled with immense promise.

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• Full Name: Henry James Ruggs III
• Born: January 24, 1999 (currently 26 years old as of 2025)
• Hometown: Montgomery, Alabama
• High School: Robert E. Lee High School (Montgomery, AL)
• College: University of Alabama
• NFL Draft: 1st Round (12th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders
• Position: Wide Receiver (WR)
• NFL Career Span: 2020–2021 (Played 20 games for the Raiders)
• Career Stats (Highlights): 50 receptions, 921 receiving yards, 4 touchdowns
• Release Date: November 2, 2021 (Released by the Raiders hours after the crash)

During his time with the Raiders, Ruggs was a key component of the offense. His speed was often touted as his greatest asset, with a recorded 40-yard dash time of 4.27 seconds, one of the fastest in NFL history. He was expected to be a cornerstone of the franchise for years to come before the catastrophic events of November 2021.

The Tragic Night of November 2, 2021: Details of the Fatal Crash

The incident that ended Henry Ruggs III’s career and resulted in the loss of an innocent life occurred in the early morning hours of November 2, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The details of the crash are shocking and played a critical role in the severity of his eventual sentence.

Driving at Excessive Speed and High BAC

At approximately 3:39 a.m., Ruggs, driving his Chevrolet Corvette, slammed into the back of a Toyota RAV4. The crash took place on a public road, and police determined that Ruggs was driving at an astounding speed.

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• Vehicle Speed: Investigators determined Ruggs was traveling at 156 miles per hour just moments before the collision.
• Impact Speed: The vehicle's speed was estimated to be 127 mph at the time of impact.
• Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): Ruggs’s BAC was recorded at 0.16 percent, which is twice the legal limit in Nevada.

The Victim and the Aftermath

The impact was so severe that the Toyota RAV4 immediately caught fire. The driver of the Toyota was 23-year-old Tina Tintor. Tragically, Ms. Tintor and her dog, Max, were trapped in the burning vehicle and died at the scene.

Ruggs and his passenger, his girlfriend Kiara Kilgo-Washington, were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The Raiders organization released Ruggs from his contract just hours after the incident and his subsequent arrest, marking a swift and definitive end to his NFL career.

Sentencing, Imprisonment, and Recent Updates

The legal proceedings against Henry Ruggs III lasted nearly two years, culminating in a plea deal that saw him avoid a potential sentence of up to 50 years. The fallout from the crash continues to generate headlines, especially with recent news detailing his life in prison.

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The Plea Deal and Sentence

In May 2023, Henry Ruggs III agreed to plead guilty to two felony charges: DUI resulting in death and vehicular manslaughter. This plea agreement was made to resolve the case without a lengthy trial.

• Charges: Felony DUI Resulting in Death and Vehicular Manslaughter.
• Sentence: Three to 10 years in a state prison.
• Incarceration Date: Ruggs began serving his sentence in August 2023.
• Parole Eligibility: He will be eligible for parole after serving the minimum term of three years.

During the sentencing hearing, the judge noted the extreme recklessness of driving at such a speed while intoxicated, emphasizing the need for a sentence that reflected the gravity of taking a life. The courtroom heard emotional statements from the victim's family, highlighting the profound loss they suffered.

Academic Achievement Behind Bars: A Major Update

In a surprising and recent development, it was reported that Henry Ruggs III completed his college degree while incarcerated. He graduated from the University of Alabama, his alma mater, while serving his sentence.

This achievement, completed through remote learning, was hailed by his legal team and supporters as a sign of his commitment to rehabilitation and making the most of his time in prison. It offers a rare, positive update in an otherwise tragic narrative, showing that the former athlete is focused on personal growth and education despite his circumstances.

Public Apology and Hope for Prisoners

In another significant update, Ruggs recently broke his silence and publicly apologized to the family of Tina Tintor. This apology was delivered during a recent appearance at a "Hope for Prisoners" group gathering in Las Vegas.

His statement expressed deep remorse for his actions and the irreparable harm he caused. While no apology can bring back the victim, the public acknowledgment of his responsibility and the expression of grief are important steps in the long process of accountability and potential redemption. The "Hope for Prisoners" program aims to help formerly incarcerated individuals successfully re-enter the community, suggesting Ruggs is actively participating in rehabilitation efforts.

Topical Authority Entities and LSI Keywords

The tragic case of Henry Ruggs III is a complex narrative involving multiple interconnected entities and concepts, all of which contribute to the topical authority of this story. Understanding these elements is crucial for a complete picture.

• Legal Entities: DUI resulting in death, vehicular manslaughter, plea agreement, three-to-10-year sentence, Nevada state prison, parole eligibility, court proceedings.
• Key Figures: Henry Ruggs III, Tina Tintor (victim), Kiara Kilgo-Washington (passenger), Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).
• Incident Details: November 2, 2021, Las Vegas, Chevrolet Corvette, Toyota RAV4, 156 mph, 0.16 BAC, fiery crash.
• NFL/Team: Las Vegas Raiders, 2020 NFL Draft, wide receiver, NFL career, team release.
• Rehabilitation/Updates: College degree, University of Alabama, public apology, Hope for Prisoners group, incarceration, rehabilitation efforts.

The story of the Raiders wide receiver car crash is a cautionary tale about the intersection of wealth, speed, and responsibility. The updates regarding Henry Ruggs III's life in prison—his academic success and public apology—show a man grappling with the consequences of his irreversible actions while attempting to chart a path toward a different future upon his eventual release.