Henry Ruggs emotional apology at a Las Vegas event reignites DUI awareness. Discover his plea to Tina Tintor’s family and ways to support road safety efforts on June 18, 2025.

Henry Ruggs Heartfelt Apology Sparks Renewed Focus on DUI Prevention

In a packed room at a Hope for Prisoners event in Las Vegas on June 17, 2025, former NFL star Henry Ruggs III stood before a crowd, his voice trembling. Granted a rare release from prison, he faced a question that cut deep: what would he say to the family of Tina Tintor, the 23-year-old woman killed in a 2021 DUI crash he caused? “I wish I could turn back time,” Ruggs said, tears welling up, as captured by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “I’d love for them to meet the real me, not the guy running from something. I’m so sorry for their pain and for my face always being in the news, reminding them of their loss.” His raw apology has sparked a fresh conversation about drunk driving, accountability, and redemption, urging readers to take action to prevent such tragedies.

The Tragedy That Changed Lives

On November 2, 2021, Ruggs, then a 22-year-old Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver, made a catastrophic choice. Driving his Chevrolet Corvette at 156 mph with a blood alcohol level of 0.161—twice Nevada’s legal limit—he slammed into Tintor’s Toyota RAV4 on a Las Vegas street. The crash engulfed Tintor’s car in flames, killing her and her dog, Max, and injuring Ruggs’ girlfriend, Kiara Je’nai Kilgo-Washington. The Raiders released Ruggs hours later, ending a promising career that saw him, a 2020 first-round draft pick, rack up 50 catches for 921 yards in two seasons.

In May 2023, Ruggs pleaded guilty to felony DUI causing death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. Now 26, he’s serving a 3-to-10-year sentence at High Desert State Prison, recently transferred to Casa Grande Transitional Housing, where he works at the Nevada Governor’s Mansion for $2.50 an hour. Eligible for parole in August 2026, Ruggs is trying to rebuild, but his apology at the Hope for Prisoners event a program aiding ex-inmates’ reentry has brought the pain of his actions back into focus.

A Family’s Unending Grief

Tina Tintor, a Serbian immigrant who moved to the U.S. as a toddler, was the heart of her family. She helped her parents navigate language barriers, cared for her grandmother, and dreamed of a career in computer science. Her uncle, Pedja Komazec, has spoken of the family’s relentless grief, compounded by seeing Ruggs’ name in headlines. “Every time we hear about him, it’s like losing her again,” he told local media. The Tintor family’s story resonates with thousands affected by DUI crashes, with Nevada alone reporting over 4,000 DUI arrests in 2021. Nationally, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) cites over 10,000 annual U.S. deaths from alcohol-related crashes, making Ruggs’ case a stark reminder of the stakes.

The Hope for Prisoners Event: A Moment of Reckoning

The Hope for Prisoners event aimed to highlight second chances, but Ruggs’ appearance turned heads. Speaking to former inmates and community leaders, he didn’t shy away from his guilt. He warned the crowd about life-altering decisions, saying, “One choice can take everything away.” His words struck a chord, but reactions are mixed. On X, some praise his remorse, seeing a man trying to make amends. Others argue no apology can undo Tintor’s loss, calling for stricter DUI penalties. One user posted, “Ruggs sounds sorry, but sorry doesn’t bring Tina back. We need real change.” Another wrote, “He’s young. He messed up. Hope he turns it around.”

The event has also drawn attention to Hope for Prisoners, which has helped over 2,000 ex-inmates reintegrate since 2010. Ruggs’ participation, part of his trustee program, shows his effort to contribute, but it’s a tough road. Former teammate Josh Jacobs, now with the Green Bay Packers, told reporters Ruggs stays positive and trains daily, dreaming of an NFL comeback. Some teams might consider him post-parole, but public sentiment could make that a long shot.

It’s a wake-up call about drunk driving

Ruggs story is a gut punch a talented athlete whose reckless choice destroyed a family and his career. It’s a wake-up call about drunk driving’s ripple effects. MADD, working with the Raiders and Tintor’s family, has pushed for awareness campaigns and tougher laws, like Nevada’s recent lowering of the legal blood alcohol limit to 0.08%. But prevention starts with individuals. Ruggs’ apology, while heartfelt, can’t erase the past, but it can inspire change. His visibility offers a chance to amplify DUI prevention, turning a personal tragedy into a broader push for safer roads.