One of the most highly anticipated prospects in this month's NFL Draft, Miami Hurricanes defensive end Rueben Bain Jr., has been revealed to have been cited for careless driving in a serious 2024 car accident that tragically resulted in the death of a young passenger. The details of the incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning on Interstate 95 in Miami, have been brought to light by a report from The Read Optional, raising significant questions as the draft approaches.
The Tragic Accident and Its Aftermath
According to an official crash report reviewed by The Daily Mail, Bain was behind the wheel of a Land Rover SUV carrying three passengers: his Hurricanes teammates Wesley Bissainthe and Nyjalik Kelly, along with 22-year-old Georgia woman Destiny Betts. The collision happened around 4 a.m. when Bain's vehicle rear-ended another car. The impact caused the SUV to ricochet violently between two concrete barriers before finally coming to a stop on the highway shoulder.
Destiny Betts was rushed to a nearby trauma center but fell into a coma. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries three months later, as confirmed by a 2024 GoFundMe page that has since been removed following the publication of The Read Optional's report. In a statement provided to the outlet, Betts' family has requested privacy while expressing their wish for Bain to succeed in his life and career.
Family Statement and Legal Proceedings
'Destiny's passing was the result of a tragic accident that occurred several years ago,' the family's statement began. 'While the loss remains incredibly painful for our family, we have worked hard to find peace and move forward. At this time, we are not seeking public attention surrounding this tragedy and respectfully request that our family's privacy be honored.'
Bain was cited for careless driving following the accident, but charges were dropped prior to Betts' death in June 2024. Notably, the crash report indicates that Bain was never administered a field sobriety test at the scene. The Daily Mail has attempted to contact Bain's listed business representative for comment on the matter.
Subsequent Citation and NFL Concerns
Further complicating the narrative, Bain was reportedly cited again for careless driving in October 2025, according to Outkick.com, with that citation also reportedly being dismissed. This pattern has not gone unnoticed by NFL teams evaluating the talented edge rusher ahead of the draft.
League sources, while aware of the 2024 crash, have expressed distinct concerns to The Read Optional. One source drew a parallel to the 2016 draft saga of offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil, whose stock plummeted after controversial images surfaced online. 'It feels like it could be [Laremy Tunsil] all over again,' the source stated. 'It doesn't feel like [Bain] has been transparent with us.'
Another team executive echoed these worries, telling the outlet, 'We are concerned about multiple incidents. We are waiting for the other shoe.' These comments highlight the potential impact such off-field issues can have on a player's draft position, regardless of on-field performance.
On-Field Excellence and Draft Projections
On the gridiron, Bain's credentials are undeniable. The 6-foot-3, 275-pound defensive standout enjoyed a remarkable 2025 season, recording an impressive 9.5 sacks and an interception. His contributions were pivotal in leading the Miami Hurricanes past the defending champion Ohio State Buckeyes and all the way to the national championship game.
Like Tunsil before him, Bain is widely projected to be a first-round selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, the revelation of this fatal accident and the subsequent careless driving citation have introduced a significant element of uncertainty. It remains to be seen how NFL front offices will weigh these serious off-field incidents against his formidable athletic talent and collegiate achievements as they make their final evaluations.
