Rueben Bain, a former Miami defensive end and a projected first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, was cited for careless driving following a 2024 crash in Florida that left one of his car’s passengers dead after three months in a coma, according to The Read Optional.
Bain, just months after the end of his freshman season with the Hurricanes, was driving on Interstate 95 around 4 a.m. when his car — which was also carrying Miami teammates Wesley Bissainthe and Nyjalik Kelly — struck another vehicle and then hit concrete barriers on either side of the road, according to the outlet.
Destiny Betts, a 22-year-old woman reportedly visiting from Georgia for spring break and the fourth passenger in Bain’s vehicle, spent three months in a coma after being rushed to Ryder Trauma Center. She died in June 2024.
Rueben Bain is pictured during Miami’s pro day in March. AP Bain’s careless driving charge was later dropped, according to The Read Optional, and the police report from the incident stated that he “operated his vehicle in a careless or negligent manner.”
It’s unclear if the incident — which hadn’t been reported until Sunday — will cause Bain to drop in the draft, though CBS NFL insider Jonathan Jones wrote on X that, “Teams I’ve spoken with the past two months—outside of one—have been satisfied with Bain’s explanation. Most have considered the matter handled.”
Rueben Bain is pictured during Miami’s March 23 pro day. Getty Images The Read Optional, though, cited an anonymous source claiming that Bain hadn’t been transparent about the situation and that it could be a similar situation to Laremy Tunsil — following the gas mask drama — in 2016.
“As her family, we remain deeply committed to honoring her memory in a meaningful and appropriate way,” the Betts family told The Read Optional in a statement. “Destiny’s passing was the result of a tragic accident that occurred several years ago. 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. We also wish Mr. Bain the best as he continues his life and career.”
Bain collected 9 ½ sacks and 15 ½ tackles for loss while leading the country with 83 pressures during the 2025 season, according to The Athletic — with Miami advancing to the national championship game before falling to Indiana.
