MIAMI – A 27-year-old basketball player for the Miami Heat was driving a black 2021 Audi A5 when he crashed into a 1999 Toyota 4Runner and struck a Good Samaritan in Miami-Dade County.
The crash caused Alekxei Pino to suffer “a partial amputation on his right leg, a compound fracture to his left leg, and a possible broken left arm,” according to police.
Pino had stopped shortly before 11:30 p.m., on Tuesday, to help the driver of the disabled Toyota near the intersection of Southwest 136 Street and 138th Avenue.
Police officers cited Haywood Highsmith, the Heat’s number 24 who was born in Baltimore and was drafted in 2018, with careless driving. He wasn’t injured. according to police.
The Toyota was stopped on the right westbound lane with its lights off when Highsmith was traveling westbound and was unable to stop his car on time before the crash.
The Miami Heat released a statement: “Our hearts go out to those who were injured.”
Highsmith’s agent Jerry Dianis released a statement Thursday night that read, in part:
“This was an unfortunate accident. We have been notified that the person sustained significant injuries but is in stable condition. 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 fans. We will have no further comment.”
Watch Local 10 News’ Will Manso’s 11 p.m. report below: