Heartbreak and legal drama unfold as Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith is entangled in a tragic car crash that led a 21-year-old man to lose part of his leg. The incident took place on February 6, shortly after the Heat clinched a win against the Orlando Magic, with reports from NBC Miami bringing to light new police body camera footage showing the somber aftermath. Highsmith is shown visibly upset and someone attempts to offer comfort saying, "The guy is alive."
According to the video obtained by Local 10 News, Highsmith was in an emotional state, and was seen telling officers at the scene that it was too late to avoid the collision, "The signal lights weren’t on," said Highsmith. Authorities confirmed that the victim, Alekxei Pino, was assisting a driver with a disabled vehicle when the athlete's Audi A5, traveling slightly to exceed the 40-mph speed limit, crashed into him."
Pino had to undergo an amputation above the knee due to the severity of his injuries, detailed a report. In the wake of this life-altering event, Pino is now pursuing legal action against Highsmith, seeking damages beyond $50,000, the lawsuit filed in Florida states. Manuel Dobrinsky, Pino's attorney, shared with TMZ that his client faces "a very long road of rehabilitation ahead of him."
Highsmith's agent, Jerry Dianis, affirmed that his client had not consumed alcohol or any drugs prior to the crash. Meanwhile, TMZ highlighted that the police report suggested Highsmith might have been distracted by unknown factors during the incident. Highsmith, who is averaging 5 points per game this season, was cited for careless driving but denies claims of speeding or driving under the influence, as per NBC Miami.
