MIAMI, Fla. (WFLA) -- Newly released bodycam footage showed a Miami Heat forward breaking down following the aftermath of a crash that left a 21-year-old without part of his leg.
On Feb. 6, Heat's Haywood Highsmith was involved in a crash following the team's 121-95 win over the Orlando Magic.
The footage, obtained by NBC affiliate WTVJ, shows people on the scene trying to console an emotional Haywood following the traumatic crash.
“The signal lights weren’t on,” Highsmith can be heard telling the officer. “He got out the of car, and by the time he got out, it was too late.”
Authorities said Highsmith crashed his Audi A5 into Alekxei Pino, who was trying to help the driver of a disabled vehicle.
Pino had to have part of his leg amputated as a result.
Bodycam footage of the incident showed an emotional Highsmith putting his hands over his face after the crash.
"It's okay," a woman told Highsmith. "The guy is alive."
According to WTVJ, Pino filed a lawsuit against Highsmith following the crash. He is seeking "unspecified damages in excess of $50,000."
The lawsuit stated that "on information and belief, Defendant, Haywood L. Highsmith, Jr., was traveling at a speed in excess of the legal limit when he smashed into Alekxei J. Pino. The force of the impact was so great that it crushed Mr. Pino’s leg resulting in an above-the-knee amputation and requiring Mr. Pino to undergo numerous medical procedures," WTVJ reported.
The 27-year-old Heat player was cited for carless driving. He reportedly denied that he was speeding or driving under the influence when the crash occurred.
Highsmith is currently in his third season with the Heat. He joined the team in 2021 after spending one season with the Philadelphia 76ers.