The Los Angeles Times reports that Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III is facing the charge of felony DUI after a fiery fatal crash early Tuesday morning.
According to a statement released by a representative of the Las Vegas Metro Police Department (LVMPD), the 22-year-old was driving his Chevrolet Corvette in a residential area at a rate of speed when he rear-ended a red Toyota Rav4 at approximately 3:40 a.m.
The Toyota caught fire immediately following the crash. When firefighters and paramedics from the Las Vegas Fire Department arrived at the scene, the SUV was completely engulfed in flames.
The female driver of the Toyota was declared dead at the scene.
Ruggs and his passenger were transported by ambulance to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police officers investigating the crash said that Ruggs displayed signs of impairment. The LVMPD stated that Ruggs would be charged with felony DUI resulting in death.
The Clark County District Attorney’s Office said they are waiting for police to complete their investigation of the crash before final charges are filed against Rugg.
The State of Nevada does not give the option for probation in such cases. If Rugg is convicted of felony DUI resulting in death, he could be facing up to 20 years in prison.
Rugg is currently in his second year as a wide receiver in the NFL. He was a 2020 draft pick from Alabama’s Crimson Tide.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy offered condolences for the tragedy to both the family of the victim and Ruggs’ family. McCarthy has asked that judgment be reserved until all facts are known in the case and that the League will continue to monitor the situation.
