Miami Heat's forward Haywood Highsmith faced a citation for careless driving after being a car accident that resulted in severe injury to local Samaritan. The incident occurred on a dark Miami-Dade County road Tuesday night after the Heat's victory over the Orlando Magic. Highsmith, driving a vehicle five mph over the speed limit, collided with a man assisting a motorist with a disabled car—an accident that police say caused "a partial amputation on his right leg" along with other grave injuries.
According to a police report cited by USA TODAY Sports, the disabled Toyota was in the road with its lights turned off, making it a precarious obstacle. The victim was identified as 21-year-old Alekxei Pino, known by friends for his readiness to lend aid. Manny Rodriguez, a friend, told Local 10 News, “That’s his nature ... the whole family is like that,” upon learning Pino was hurt while trying to help another.
Haywood remained at the scene to assist Pino until emergency services arrived. "Haywood immediately rushed to help the person pushing the car who had been injured. A tourniquet was applied to the injuries by a bystander, and Haywood stayed on scene continuously talking to the injured man, offering words of comfort," Jerry Dianis, Highsmith's agent, told USA TODAY Sports. Pino was subsequently transferred to the hospital in critical condition but is now stable.
In the wake of incident, statements from Highsmith's agent and the Miami Heat expressed concern and support for the injured. "Our hearts go out to those who were injured," the Heat shared in a sentiment echoed by Dianis. Highsmith, recently signed to a three-year deal with the Heat and putting up averages that reflect his role in the team's campaign, was ruled out of the following game for "personal reasons" but returned to practice on Friday, as reported by USA TODAY Sports.
