Alabama Football: Victim identified in Henry Ruggs accident

Former Alabama football player, Henry Ruggs III was involved in a fatal car crash that resulted in the death of a 23-year-old identified as Tina Tintor. Family and friends remember the late Tintor as a sweet person who had ambitions to pursue a degree.

Allegedly, Ruggs was driving at 156 MPH while under the influence on that fateful Tuesday morning. Reports claim that had slowed down to around 127 MPH before crashing the back of Tintor’s RAV4 and causing her demise. Reports state that Ruggs showed signs of impairment during the arrest and possessed a loaded firearm during the crash, resulting in a felony firearm charge.
Ruggs has been subsequently released by the Raiders and appeared in court on early Wednesday, where his bail was set at $150,000 despite the state requesting it to be a million dollars. While possibly facing 20 years in prison if found guilty, Ruggs posted bail and has been released. His next court date will be Nov. 10.

As more gruesome and eerie details emerge from this tragedy, Alabama Football coach, Nick Saban offered his condolences.

"Our thoughts and prayers certainly go out to all involved in this tragic situation, especially the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with them. But our thoughts and prayers are also with Henry and his family."

Tua Tagovailoa who was Rugg’s former teammate would continue these sentiments with his statements regarding the accident

"… my heart goes out to the families that have (been) affected by what has happened. My heart goes out to Henry, too, and his family. Obviously, it wasn’t the right choice or decision he made at that time. I know he’d wish he could have it back."

Raiders quarterback, David Carr voiced his unwavering support for Ruggs and the video below went viral.

https://twitter.com/mickakers/status/1456017125601013761?s=20

Five years ago, Ruggs’ best friend Roderic Scott died in a car accident while going to the state playoff game in March of 2016, leaving the Montgomery and Lee High School community in shock. Despite multiple surgeries to save his life, Scott wouldn’t survive and passed at 17 years old. Ruggs is quoted as saying he was initially supposed to be the one driving, but he declined due to sudden sickness.

Now proceeds the moral tug of war in the hearts of all who received this news between justice and mercy, results versus intent, and accountability versus cancelation. When the moral compass seems to point us in many directions, we find ourselves lost in an inescapable tragedy—trying to navigate our way to solace and peace.

While the family and friends of Tintor search for answers, closure, or that one last moment they’ll never get, Ruggs will perpetually have to fight the demons of survivor’s guilt and the incumbency of perpetuating the cycle that ended his best friend’s life. In due time, with these parallel lives existing on the opposite extremes of this tragedy, hopefully, we as a community find a silver lining.

With another weekend full of Alabama Football and family, I ask that we caution ourselves and be cognizant of how our actions can affect others. Specifically when it comes to driving under the influence. I ask that this be a reminder to be responsible for not only yourself but also someone else’s daughter, son, mother, or father.

From someone whose family has felt the agony of losing someone to the hands of a driver under the influence, I wish the family peace in this time of grief and offer thoughts, prayers, and condolences to Tina Tintor.