Ex-Raiders First Round Pick Henry Ruggs Denied Parole Nearly 5 Years After Fatal Las Vegas Crash
Former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III was denied parole Thursday as he continues serving his prison sentence stemming from the fatal DUI crash that killed 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog in Las Vegas.
Ruggs, now 27 years old, will become eligible for parole again on Aug. 24, 2027. He could also appear before the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners next May.
The decision comes nearly five years after the devastating 2021 crash that abruptly ended one of the NFL’s most promising young careers and forever changed multiple lives.
Henry Ruggs Continues Serving Sentence After Fatal DUI Crash
Ruggs was sentenced in August 2023 to three to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of DUI resulting in death and one misdemeanor count of vehicular manslaughter.
According to police, Ruggs was driving his Chevrolet Corvette Stingray at 156 mph with a blood alcohol level reportedly twice the legal limit when he slammed into the back of Tina Tintor’s Toyota RAV4.
Authorities said Tintor’s vehicle traveled more than 500 feet before catching fire. Tintor and her dog, Max, later died from thermal injuries.
The horrific details of the crash continue to resonate throughout the Las Vegas community and the football world.
Ruggs Expressed Remorse During Parole Hearing
During his parole appearance last month, Ruggs took responsibility for his actions and spoke directly about the pain caused by the crash.
“Not a minute goes by where I don’t think of the pain I caused her family, her friends and the Las Vegas community,” Ruggs said.
Ruggs also told the parole board that he had met face-to-face with Tintor’s brother to personally apologize.
His attorneys, David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, released a statement after Thursday’s decision expressing disappointment while also acknowledging the tragedy surrounding the case.
Former Raiders Receiver Focused on Rehabilitation
While incarcerated, Ruggs has reportedly worked on rehabilitation efforts and community outreach programs centered around the dangers of drinking and driving. He spoke with HOPE for Prisoners in Las Vegas, addressed fellow inmates, and completed his bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama last year.
Mentors and supporters close to Ruggs have also indicated he hopes to eventually become a public advocate against drunk driving upon his release. Still, the parole board ultimately determined Ruggs would remain incarcerated for now.
Henry Ruggs Case Continues to Leave Lasting Impact
The tragedy remains one of the most sobering stories involving a former NFL player in recent memory.
Ruggs was once viewed as a rising star after being selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Raiders. His speed and big-play ability made him a key part of the franchise’s future plans before everything changed in a single night.
Now, nearly five years later, the aftermath of the crash continues to affect everyone involved — from Tintor’s grieving family to the former football player attempting to rebuild his life behind bars.
