Raiders release Henry Ruggs III after WR is charged with 2 felonies in fatal accident

The Las Vegas Raiders released Henry Ruggs on Tuesday night, just hours after the wide receiver was booked and charged with two felonies for his alleged role in a fatal car accident earlier that morning.

Ruggs faces charges of driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in death and reckless driving, according to court records. He is scheduled to make an initial court appearance Wednesday.

The Las Vegas Metro Police Department said Tuesday that Ruggs, driving a Chevrolet Corvette, collided into the back of a Toyota Rav4 at approximately 3:39 a.m. on Tuesday. The Toyota burst into flames, and fire department officials found the driver - an unidentified 23-year-old woman - found dead inside the vehicle, police said.

Ruggs, who police said remained on the scene and "showed signs of impairment" and his passenger were hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries before the wide receiver was booked into Clark County Detention Center on Tuesday afternoon.

A charge of DUI causing death in Nevada would result in a prison sentence between two to 20 years.

"The Raiders are aware of an accident involving Henry Ruggs III that occurred this morning in Las Vegas," the Raiders said in a statement Tuesday prior to Ruggs' release. "We are devastated by the loss of life and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim's family. We are in the process of gathering information and will have no further comment at this time."

Ruggs, 22, was the No. 12 overall selection out of Alabama in the 2020 NFL draft. He led the Raiders (5-2) with 469 receiving yards this season and recorded 24 catches, including two touchdowns.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Henry Ruggs released by Raiders after felony charges, fatal accident