During a special release from prison to attend a Hope for Prisoners event in Las Vegas, Henry Ruggs offered a heartfelt apology to the family of Tina Tintor, whom he killed while driving drunk at 156 mph. The apology, delivered in a video recorded by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, came nearly four years after the tragic incident that led to his imprisonment. Ruggs, the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, was sentenced to 3-10 years in prison for the fatal crash that resulted in the deaths of Tintor and her dog, Max, as well as injuries to another passenger, Kiara Je’nai Kilgo-Washington.
Ruggs expressed deep regret for his actions, stating that he wished he could turn back time to prevent the tragedy. He acknowledged that his face has frequently appeared in the news, making the family constantly reminded of the incident. During his sentencing hearing, he had already pleaded guilty to felony DUI causing death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter, emphasizing that his behavior was ‘not a true reflection’ of who he is. His blood-alcohol content was measured at 0.161, which is twice the legal limit in Nevada, contributing to the severity of his sentence.
The incident occurred on the night of the crash, when Ruggs, driving his Corvette at 156 mph, crashed into Tintor’s Toyota RAV4. The force of the collision ruptured her gas tank, leading to her death. The crash also resulted in injuries to Kilgo-Washington, who had been seen drinking at a nearby TopGolf before the incident. Ruggs, now 27 years old, could become eligible for parole as early as August 2026. His former Raiders teammate, Josh Jacobs, has reportedly been training for a potential NFL return, indicating that Ruggs might still have a chance to re-enter professional football if he meets the conditions for parole.
Despite the apology, the incident has left a lasting impact on the Tintor family, who have been dealing with the emotional and physical aftermath of the tragedy for nearly four years. Ruggs’ apology, while sincere, does not erase the loss they have experienced. The case has also highlighted the dangers of alcohol-impaired driving, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences that can arise from such actions. As Ruggs moves forward in his life, the hope remains that he can make amends and find a path toward redemption.
In the broader context, the case has sparked discussions about accountability, the consequences of drunk driving, and the role of media in perpetuating the public’s memory of such tragedies. While Ruggs’ apology is a step toward addressing the impact of his actions, the emotional scars on the victims’ family and the community will take much longer to heal.