LAS VEGAS — The Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners rejected a parole request Thursday from Henry Ruggs, the former NFL wide receiver who caused a fatal collision in Las Vegas almost five years ago.
The ex-Raiders player, who was selected in the first round of the NFL draft, was traveling at speeds reaching 156 mph through Las Vegas on Nov. 2, 2021, when his sports car collided with another vehicle, resulting in the deaths of 23-year-old driver Tina Tintor and her dog, Max.
According to prosecutors, Ruggs had a blood-alcohol content of 0.16% when tested within the mandatory two-hour window following the collision, double Nevada’s legal driving limit. Prior to the fatal accident, he had been at TopGolf, a Las Vegas sports entertainment facility, prosecutors stated.
In May 2023, Ruggs entered guilty pleas to felony DUI causing death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter charges. Two months later in August 2023, he received a prison term ranging from three to 10 years. His initial parole eligibility date was set for August 2026.
According to Kathi Baker, executive director of the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners, Ruggs’ next parole hearing will occur three months prior to Aug. 24, 2027, which marks his mandatory parole release date.
In a Thursday statement, Ruggs’ legal representatives David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld expressed their disappointment with the parole board’s rejection.
“Mr. Ruggs, and our office, continue to feel the grief and loss suffered by Ms. Tintor’s family,” the attorneys stated.
The defense team highlighted what they called “overwhelming evidence” demonstrating Ruggs’ acknowledgment of responsibility for his actions and his participation in community outreach initiatives focused on DUI prevention, noting his completion of educational programs during his incarceration.
