Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith was recently involved in a serious car accident that has left a young man facing life-altering injuries. According to reports, the incident took place after the Heat’s game against the Orlando Magic when Highsmith was driving home. As he traveled along Southwest 136th Street, he struck 21-year-old Alekxei Pino, who was helping another driver with car trouble. The impact caused severe injuries to Pino, including a partial leg amputation and multiple fractures.
Bodycam footage released by Miami-Dade Police captures the aftermath, showing Highsmith visibly distraught as he spoke with officers and was consoled by a woman at the scene. Highsmith explained that he couldn’t stop in time to avoid the collision, partly because the other vehicle reportedly did not have its lights on. Though Highsmith was traveling slightly over the speed limit, he was not found to be under the influence of any substances. He has since been cited for careless driving, while Pino’s family has launched a lawsuit against him.
This incident has kept Highsmith off the court for personal reasons, and he missed the game immediately following the accident. Known as a key defensive player in the Heat’s rotation, he has shown remorse following the event. The Miami Heat organization has yet to comment extensively, though they acknowledged the accident and expressed sympathy for those affected.
