MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A friend described Alekxei Pino, who has been hospitalized since a Miami Heat player crashed on Tuesday night and injured him while he attempted to help a stranger in Miami-Dade County.
Manny Rodriguez said he knows Pino, 21, to be a good-natured neighbor who is always ready to help others in need. He wasn’t surprised when he learned that he was injured while trying to help a woman whose car had broken down.
“That’s his nature ... the whole family is like that,” Rodriguez said.
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 the 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 also released a statement saying the accident was unfortunate.
“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.”
Highsmith was in practice on Friday.