Projected Top 10 NFL Draft prospect was driver in 2024 deadly crash

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Rueben Bain Jr., a top-10 prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft, was driving in a previously unreported March 2024 crash in which one of his passengers was hospitalized and pronounced dead three months later, according to a crash report and court records obtained by OutKick. 

The standout Miami edge rusher was cited at the scene by the Florida Highway Patrol for operating a motor vehicle in a "careless or negligent manner." The charge was later dismissed because of a "defective citation," after Bain Jr. entered a not guilty plea, according to court records. 

The crash report indicates that Bain Jr. did not show any impairment, and was not suspected of alcohol or drug use and that no tests were given at the time.

Rueben Bain Jr. was driving in a previously unreported March 2024 crash in which one of his passengers was hospitalized and pronounced dead three months later, according to a crash report and court records obtained by OutKick. ( CFP/Getty Images)

Three NFL teams told OutKick's Armando Salguero over the weekend that they are aware of the crash, but no team would comment to what extent the incident would affect the first-team All-American defensive end's status for the April 23-25 NFL Draft. 

The news of the first crash was first reported by Oliver Connolly.

OutKick has reached out to Bain Jr., the University of Miami and the Florida State Attorney's office but has yet to receive comment from either. 

Rueben Bain Jr. of the Miami (FL) Hurricanes speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on Feb.