Traffic Collision Involving NFL Draft Prospect Rueben Bain Jr.

A 2024 traffic collision involving University of Miami football player Rueben Bain Jr. resulted in the death of a passenger. The legal citation issued to Bain was dismissed, and a civil lawsuit filed by the other driver was later voluntarily dropped. The incident is part of the background check process for Bain, who is considered a top prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft.

The Collision

On March 17, 2024, University of Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. was driving a 2021 Land Rover northbound on Interstate-95. The vehicle was owned by Miami Sports 27 Inc.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol crash report, the left front of Bain’s vehicle collided with the right rear of another car in the outside center lane. The impact caused Bain’s vehicle to cross multiple lanes, strike both the east and west concrete walls of the highway, and come to a stop.

There were four passengers in Bain’s vehicle. One of them, 22-year-old Destiny Betts, sustained severe injuries. The crash report notes that Betts was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. She died from her injuries on June 13, 2024.

Legal Proceedings

• Bain was issued a citation for careless driving. The police report stated he “operated his vehicle in a careless or negligent manner.”
• No field sobriety test was conducted at the scene.
• The citation was later dismissed by the court. Court records list the reason for dismissal as “defective citation.” Bain was not criminally charged in connection with the crash.

• In October 2024, the driver of the other vehicle involved in the collision sued Bain for motor vehicle negligence, alleging physical injury and mental anguish.
• In June 2025, that driver voluntarily dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled.

• Court records indicate a mediation session was scheduled for March 2025. The session involved legal counsel for Bain, the vehicle owner (Miami Sports 27 Inc.), the estate of Destiny Betts, and an auto insurance company.

Related Incident

In a separate incident, Bain was issued another citation on October 14, 2025, related to a different traffic crash. That citation was also dismissed due to a “defective citation,” according to court records.

Statement from Betts Family

In a statement provided to The Athletic and The Read Optional, Destiny Betts’ family addressed the incident. The family described Betts’ death as “the result of a tragic accident.” They stated they are not seeking public attention and requested privacy, adding, “We also wish Mr. Bain the best as he continues his life and career.”

The Athletic reported it reached out to Rueben Bain Jr. for comment.

NFL Draft Context

Rueben Bain Jr. is considered a top prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft. In analyst Dane Brugler’s rankings, he is listed as the No. 9 overall prospect and the third-best edge rusher.

It is standard procedure for NFL teams to conduct independent background investigations into potential draft picks, which includes reviewing prior legal and civil matters.