Former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III made a poignant appearance at a Hope for Prisoners event in Las Vegas on Tuesday night, extending his heartfelt apologies to the family of Tina Tintor, a woman whose life he tragically took in a car crash nearly four years ago.
On November 2, 2021, Ruggs was involved in a devastating accident where he drove his sports car at an astonishing speed of up to 156 mph, colliding with Tintor’s vehicle. The crash claimed the life of the 23-year-old driver and her dog, Max, leaving a lasting impact on many lives and a community that still grapples with the aftermath.
During the event, Ruggs was asked to share his thoughts with Tintor’s family. With emotional sincerity, he expressed, “One, I wish I could turn back the hands of time. I would love for them to meet the real Henry Ruggs and not the one that was escaping from something.” His words reflected a deep regret as he acknowledged the pain caused not just by the incident but also by his ongoing presence in media narratives. “I sincerely apologize for not only being a part of that situation,” he continued, “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.”
Ruggs, once celebrated as a first-round draft pick, faced a significant turning point in his life and career when he pleaded guilty to felony DUI causing death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in May 2023. His journey took a somber turn when he was sentenced in August to a prison term of 3 to 10 years, marking a stark contrast from the bright future that lay ahead of him as a professional athlete.
Henry Ruggs’ heartfelt acknowledgment of his actions underscores the complexities of sports, fame, and personal responsibility, reminding us all of the fragility of life and the lasting consequences of our choices. Even as Ruggs confronts his past, his story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for redemption and the long road to healing, both for himself and for those he has affected.
