As former Miami standout Rueben Bain Jr. prepares for the NFL draft later this month, new reporting has brought renewed attention to a 2024 crash that left a young woman dead.
Bain, one of the top defensive prospects in this year’s class, was identified as the driver in a March 17, 2024, accident on Interstate 95 in Miami that critically injured 22-year-old Destiny Betts. Betts later died from those injuries nearly three months after the crash.
According to documents obtained by ESPN, the crash happened around 4 a.m. on that day, while Bain was driving a 2021 Land Rover northbound on I-95. The vehicle was carrying three passengers: fellow Miami Hurricanes players Wesley Bissainthe and Nyjalik Kelly, along with Betts, who was visiting Miami from Georgia during spring break.
Investigators said Bain’s SUV struck another vehicle from behind before crashing into a concrete barrier, bouncing across the highway, and eventually stopping on the shoulder.
Betts was taken to Ryder Trauma Center in Miami with severe injuries. She remained in a coma for nearly three months before dying on June 13, 2024. Bain was cited for careless driving shortly after the crash, but the citation was later dropped before Betts died.
The crash report also noted that no field sobriety tests were administered at the scene.
In a statement, Betts’ family described the incident as a “tragic accident” and said they “wish Mr. Bain the best as he continues his life and career.” The family has not publicly indicated whether it plans to pursue further legal action.
Bain is widely viewed as one of the top defensive players available in the 2026 NFL draft. Mel Kiper Jr. currently ranks him No. 15 overall on his latest Big Board.
He is coming off a breakout junior season at Miami in which he recorded 9.5 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss, and five quarterback hurries while helping lead the Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff championship game.
Bain’s rise to draft stardom followed an already impressive college career. A Miami native and former star at Miami Central High School, he entered college football as one of South Florida’s most decorated recruits.
He also won the Ted Hendricks Award, was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2025, and previously earned ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors as a freshman in 2023.
