FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – The family of a 22-year-old man is fighting for justice and custody of his child after he died last week from pneumonia while recovering in the hospital from a car crash.
Daniel Waterman was a passenger in his girlfriend’s car in Flagler County when it crashed into a tree on Super Bowl night. After spending eight months in the hospital, his family had hoped he was recovering — but he died unexpectedly.
The family said important evidence may be overlooked that could tell the full story of what happened and that they’re determined to make sure their son’s voice is heard.
Daniel Waterman fought for his life in the hospital after the crash.
“It’s just so sad. He had his whole life ahead of him,” a family member said. “I’m never going to see him be a dad. I’m never going to see him be who he was supposed to be.”
Waterman was a basketball and football player, and his family said he was the best son and cousin anyone could ask for. The February crash changed his life — and his family’s — forever.
The driver of the car was his girlfriend, Leigha Mumby. Court records show Mumby is charged with reckless driving causing serious bodily injury and aggravated battery. She was arrested in July and is out on bond awaiting trial.
The family alleged Mumby, who is pregnant with Waterman’s child, caused the crash intentionally after an argument over a message from another girl.
“Leigha intentionally caused the crash. They were arguing over Snapchat,” a family member said.
That claim aligns with the Florida Highway Patrol’s report, which includes a statement from Daniel. According to the arrest report, Daniel said the last thing he remembered before the crash was Mumby telling him, “I don’t care what happens, you’ll get what you deserve,” before swerving off the road and hitting a tree, leaving him incapacitated.
Mumby told investigators she does not remember what happened.
Daniel was expected to testify in court during Mumby’s trial, but a late development of pneumonia took his life. Now, the family said prosecutors told them that Daniel’s statement to investigators may not be admissible in court.
“We had a Zoom meeting in the hospital before his passing,” the family member said.
The family is hoping for justice and custody of the child Mumby is carrying.
“It just seems incredibly unjust every single turn,” the family member said.
News4JAX reached out to the state attorney’s office about the possibility of upgrading charges, but a spokesperson declined to comment on open cases.
Mumby’s next court date is a pretrial hearing scheduled for Oct. 22.