Former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III has been sentenced to three to 10 years in prison for a tragic drunken driving crash that claimed the life of a Las Vegas woman and her dog in November 2021. The 24-year-old athlete, who could be eligible for parole after three years, expressed remorse and offered apologies to the victim's family during the sentencing.
Clark County District Court judge Jennifer Schwartz presided over the emotionally charged hearing, describing the case as one of the more tragic incidents she has encountered. Ruggs had been on house arrest with electronic monitoring devices since pleading guilty in May to charges of DUI resulting in death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. He read a statement during the proceedings, addressing the family of the deceased woman, Tina Tintor, and expressing his sincere apologies for his actions.
Dressed in a dark blue suit and flanked by his legal team, Ruggs acknowledged his wrongdoing and the impact it had on his family, teammates, and those who believed in him. He acknowledged that he had searched for answers since the crash, but offered no excuses for his actions, expressing a desire to initiate the healing process for all those affected. Ruggs also hoped to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and excessive speeding.
The sentencing marked the first time members of Tina Tintor's immediate family publicly addressed the tragedy. Tintor, who immigrated to the United States as a child, played a vital role in her family, helping her father navigate challenges and caring for her nephew. Her untimely death left a profound void in her family's life. In a statement read by Tintor's cousin, Daniel Strbac, her mother, Mirjana Komazec, expressed a hope that the tragedy would inspire positive change in the world.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Eric Bauman, who kept the case close to his heart for nearly two years, described the case as haunting, as the crash did not immediately take Tintor's life. Instead, she suffered thermal injuries and tragically passed away, along with her dog Max. The circumstances of the crash have left a lasting impact on those involved in the legal proceedings.
Ruggs' attorneys submitted documents to the court requesting a prison sentence ranging from three to 10 years, highlighting Ruggs' remorse and the steps he had taken to address his actions. The former Raider's coaches and teachers, as well as his college coach, vouched for his character in testimonial letters.
The fatal crash occurred on November 2, 2021, when Ruggs was driving under the influence and reached speeds of 156 mph before colliding with Tintor's vehicle. Tintor and her dog died from thermal injuries sustained in the collision. Ruggs' blood alcohol level was found to be more than twice the legal limit in Nevada at the time of the crash.
Despite the sentencing, the Tintor family and supporters from organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving emphasized that the healing process is ongoing and that the tragedy serves as a reminder of the dangers of impaired driving.
Henry Ruggs III, once a rising star in the NFL, will now begin a new chapter as he serves his prison sentence, reflecting on the consequences of his actions and striving for personal growth and redemption. The case stands as a somber reminder of the devastating impact that poor choices can have on innocent lives.
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