Alabama coach Nick Saban addresses fatal car crash of former player Henry Ruggs

Alabama coach Nick Saban offered support for former player Henry Ruggs, who was involved in a fatal crash Tuesday. Ruggs will be charged with DUI resulting in death, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. 

Ruggs was driving 156 mph and had a blood alcohol level of .161 – twice the legal limit in Nevada – prior to the fatal crash early Tuesday morning, according to prosecutor Eric Bauman, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported from Ruggs' court appearance Wednesday morning at the Las Vegas Justice Court.

A preliminary investigation by the Las Vegas Metro Police Department indicated Ruggs' Chevrolet Corvette crashed into the rear of a Toyota RAV-4, which then caught on fire. The body of a 23-year-old woman was discovered inside the Toyota.

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

Saban continued by saying this is something from which many people can learn and how important it is to make good choices and do the right thing. 

"Because sometimes the consequences can be devastating," Saban said. "These consequences are going to probably be pretty devastating to Henry. We love him. We're going to support him through it, but we also have a lot of compassion for the victims, and our thoughts and prayers are also with them." 

According to the Las Vegas Review Journal, a loaded gun was also found in Ruggs' car, and a $150,000 bail was ordered for Ruggs, as well as the highest level of electronic monitoring. He is ordered to return to court on Nov. 10. 

Ruggs, 22, was released by the Las Vegas Raiders after the accident. He played for Alabama from 2017 to 2019 before he was selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. 

Contributing: Josh Peter, USA TODAY