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Heat forward Haywood Highsmith faces trial after car crash in Miami.
Body camera video showing Miami heat Before Haywood Highsmith speaking to police after an accident in February 2024 that resulted in part of another man’s leg being amputated.
The video, obtained by WPLGshows Highsmith being consoled and putting his hands to his face while speaking to officers.
The accident occurred Feb. 6 after Highsmith, 27, and the Heat won a game against the Magic of Orlando, according to the Miami-Dade Police Department. Highsmith was cited for reckless and negligent driving, police said, and faces a lawsuit filed in Miami-Dade County Court by the victim, 21-year-old Alekxei Pino.
A GoFundMe created by Pino’s family said about the accident: “On the evening of February 7, Alekxei Pino demonstrated his innate kindness and selflessness. On his way home from work, he saw a woman stranded on the side of the road with a broken down vehicle, less than 10 minutes from his own residence.
The GoFundMe adds: “Without hesitation, he stopped to offer to help. While Alekxei was helping the woman, another car crashed into them, pinning Alekxei between the two cars, causing him serious, life-changing injuries.
According to GoFundMe, “The aftermath of the accident presented Alekxei with challenges he never imagined. He now faces the difficult task of rebuilding his life after losing his right leg, an irreversible loss that will change his life forever. Additionally, he suffered a broken left leg and dislocated left shoulder, further complicating his road to recovery.
Highsmith’s agent, Jerry Dianis, told ESPN after the accident that it was an “unfortunate accident,” and added, “Haywood and his family are praying for him.” Haywood is of course shaken by this and appreciates the support and prayers he has received from the Miami Heat and the fans. Dianis added that Highsmith “immediately rushed to help” Pino. He said Highsmith was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Haywood Highsmith can be heard in the video telling police that the car he hit did not have any lights on and that when the victim got out of the vehicle, “it was too late”
The crash happened around 11:20 p.m. on SW 136th Street near West 138th Avenue, according to the Miami-Dade police report. The police said Haywood Highsmith was driving his 2021 Audi A5 about 45 mph in a 40 mph zone when he struck a 1999 Toyota 4Runner that was disabled in the middle of the road.
Alekxei Pino, the victim, was on the road to help the woman whose Toyota had broken down, according to police. Highsmith struck both the 4Runner and Pino, police said in the report. Police said Pino suffered a broken left leg and left arm at the same time as the amputation. Highsmith was issued a traffic citation, which is not considered a criminal offense, police said.
In the body camera video, Highsmith can be heard telling police he thought the 4Runner was going to move because it didn’t have any lights on. He said that “by the time” Pino got out of the car, “it was too late.”
A witness can be heard telling police: “There were no emergency lights on at all. » Another said the 4Runner was “broken.” Highsmith can be seen in the video putting his hands over his face as an officer tells him it was “an accident.”
Pino filed a lawsuit against Highsmith seeking more than $50,000 in damages
Pino filed a lawsuit in Miami-Dade County Court on Feb. 16 seeking more than $50,000 in damages from Highsmith. The lawsuit also names Highsmith’s mother, Brenda Highsmith, who is a co-owner of his Audi, seeking an additional $50,000 or more in damages from him, according to court records obtained by Heavy Show.
Pino’s lawyer, Manuel Dobrinsky, by Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, said in a statement“My client, Alekxei Pino, remains in hospital and has a very long rehabilitation road ahead of him.
Dobrinsky added: “Alekxei was just trying to do the right thing by being a good Samaritan and helping a stranded motorist. It is particularly heartbreaking that a good deed led to a life-altering tragedy. »
Tom Cleary is an editor and reporter covering news, fantasy sports, golf, NFL, NBA and UFC. Tom is based in Connecticut and began his career working in local newspapers. He has worked at Heavy as a writer and editor since 2015. Learn more about Tom Cleary
