Former Alabama star Henry Ruggs denied parole after deadly DUI crash

(Alabama Athletics/Contributed)

Former Alabama Crimson Tide and Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III was denied his first attempt at parole this past week almost five years after the deadly drunk driving crash which killed 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog in Las Vegas.

Ruggs will have to wait until next May to appear before the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners, next eligible for parole on August 24, 2027. In August of 2023, Ruggs was sentenced to 3 to 10 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to one count of DUI resulting in death and one count of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter.

He was driving at more than twice the legal limit and slammed into the rear of Tintor’s vehicle while driving 156 mph, causing her vehicle to catch on fire, trapping both her and her dog.

According to a story from ESPN, in his case to the board, Ruggs took “full responsibility for my actions that led to Ms. Tintor’s death and her dog, Max,” he said. “Not a minute goes by where I don’t think of the pain I caused her family, her friends and the Las Vegas community. I’m a religious person, and I pray for her family daily.”

He also told the board he wanted parole to be able to be with his 6-year-old daughter, Kenzli, and his fiancée, Kiara Je’Nai Kilgo-Washington.

Parole on the first hearing is usually rare, so Ruggs being denied was not exactly a shock, and folks will certainly be following this story closely once he becomes eligible again next year.

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.