Tragic Highway Crash Leads to Ongoing Criminal Investigation
A devastating highway crash involving a young couple has developed into a complex legal case that continues to draw attention. The incident, which occurred on Super Bowl Sunday in 2025, involved 22-year-old Daniel Waterman and his girlfriend Leigha Mumby, who was pregnant at the time.
Authorities say the accident happened along Interstate 95 in Flagler County, turning what began as a personal dispute into a serious crash and a months-long investigation.
An Argument Before the Crash
According to court documents, Waterman was riding in the passenger seat while Mumby drove. Investigators later learned the couple had reportedly been arguing during the drive.
The disagreement escalated while the car was traveling on the highway. Soon after, the vehicle left the roadway and crashed into a tree.
The impact caused severe injuries to Waterman, while Mumby and the unborn child also suffered injuries but survived.
Emergency responders rushed Waterman to the hospital, where he was placed in intensive care.
A Critical Moment in the Hospital
For a period of time following the crash, Waterman remained unconscious while doctors worked to stabilize him. During his recovery, he briefly regained consciousness and was able to communicate with investigators.
These conversations would later become an important part of the case.
According to reports, Waterman told authorities the crash occurred shortly after the argument intensified inside the car. Investigators documented his statement as part of the official record.
Waterman later died on October 8, 2025, due to complications related to the injuries he sustained in the accident.
Details Shared With Investigators
Several months after the crash, Waterman was able to provide additional information about the moments leading up to the collision.
Because speaking was difficult during his recovery, he reportedly used a whiteboard to write responses to investigators’ questions.
In his account, he explained that the argument started after Mumby told him she was pregnant. Around the same time, he had received a text message from a woman in New York, which reportedly contributed to rising tensions during the drive.
Waterman also claimed the vehicle began moving erratically during the dispute. According to investigators’ notes, he said he attempted to exit the moving vehicle but was unable to do so before the crash occurred.
Family Speaks Out
Waterman’s mother, Heather Waterman, later spoke publicly about the events surrounding the accident.
She addressed the text message mentioned during the investigation, explaining that it involved a casual conversation between football fans rather than anything romantic.
For the family, the months following the crash were filled with uncertainty as they spent time at the hospital while Waterman fought to recover from his injuries.
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