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Las Vegas Raiders Wide Receiver Henry Ruggs III is in serious legal trouble after being involved in a fiery car crash that resulted in the death of at least one person early Tuesday morning. Ruggs III currently faces one count of felony DUI resulting in death, according to multiple reports. Legal experts state that felony DUI resulting in death can result in a jail sentence ranging from two to 20 years along with a fine of up to $5,000. Thus far, details regarding the crash are scarce, but the Las Vegas Police Department issued a brief statement to ESPN earlier this afternoon.
"[Officers] responded to a traffic collision near the intersection of South Rainbow Boulevard and South Spring Valley Parkway, involving a Chevrolet Corvette and a Toyota Rav4. Responding officers located the Toyota on fire. Fire department personnel responded and located a deceased victim inside the Toyota. The preliminary investigation indicates the front of the Chevrolet collided with the rear of the Toyota," the statement reads.
"The driver of the Chevrolet, identified as 22-year-old Henry Rugs (sic) III, remained on scene and showed signs of impairment. He was transported to UMC hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Ruggs will be charged with DUI resulting in death. This is an on-going investigation."
Tragically, Ruggs III is no stranger to car accidents. He lost his childhood friend Rod Scott in 2016 to a car crash. Scott wore the number three while playing football, so Ruggs III puts up three fingers after scoring touchdowns in honor of his fallen friend.
Ruggs III was drafted 12th by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2020 NFL Draft after playing at the University of Alabama. Over the course of three college seasons, he caught 98 passes for more than 1,500 yards and 24 touchdowns.
"He was the only person I wanted in this draft," Raiders Owner Mark Davis said after drafting Ruggs III, according to ESPN.
As an NFL player, he has found similar success. Over the course of 20 games, he has caught 50 passes for 921 yards and four touchdowns. Ruggs III last played for the Raiders on October 24 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Catching four passes for 24 yards, he helped his team earn a 33-22 win.
Neither the NFL or Raiders have released a statement at the moment.
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