A Flagler County community is rallying around the family of Daniel Waterman, a 22-year-old man who died on October 8, 2025, after spending eight months hospitalized following a crash on Interstate 95 that investigators allege was intentional, caused by the woman who was driving the car.
The case has drawn national attention, fueled by Waterman’s own account of what happened, an ongoing vehicular homicide prosecution, a contested custody situation involving a newborn child, and repeated court delays that have frustrated those following the case.
The Night of the Crash
On Super Bowl Sunday, February 9, 2025, Waterman was riding as a passenger in a vehicle driven by his girlfriend, Leigha Mumby, 24, along Interstate 95 in Flagler County. The couple began arguing during the drive, and the confrontation escalated. The argument stemmed in part from Mumby informing Waterman she was pregnant that day, and from a text message Waterman received from a female friend in New York, later confirmed by his mother to be an innocent exchange between football fans supporting opposing Super Bowl teams.
According to statements Waterman later gave to investigators, Mumby began driving recklessly as the argument intensified. She slowed to around 50 mph at one point, and Waterman attempted to exit the vehicle. Mumby then allegedly accelerated back up to 80 to 90 mph. The last thing Waterman said he remembered before the crash was Mumby telling him, “I don’t care what happens, you’ll get what you deserve,” before the car veered off the road and slammed into a tree.
Crash detection software on Mumby’s iPhone automatically activated in the moments that followed, calling 911 and transmitting the GPS coordinates of the crash scene to dispatchers. Notably, Mumby made no attempt to call for help herself. When first responders arrived on the scene, she never directed them to aid Daniel.
The crash left Waterman with multiple fractures, including injuries to his neck, back, and collarbone in three places. He also suffered dislocated hips, a leg injury, an ankle injury, and several contusions. He was transported to Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach, where he spent months receiving critical care. His medical bills in Florida alone reached approximately $2 million before he was transferred by medical transport to SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital in Syracuse, New York.
Waterman’s Account and the Road to Testimony
Daniel was conscious between periods of sedation from the very beginning. As early as February 13, his family captured video of him awake and attempting to communicate, desperately trying to convey what had happened. On February 18, when family members mentioned Leigha’s name, he clearly responded by shaking his head no. Though he was unable to fully communicate the details yet, his awareness and determination were evident from the start.
By March 18, Daniel had become skilled at using a letter board, and he spelled out his account of the crash for his family. He later used the same method to communicate with investigators. Then, on May 15, a speaking valve was placed on his trach, and Daniel was able to speak his testimony directly to investigators, giving a full, verbal account of what he says Mumby did that night.
His account, combined with a reconstruction of the crash using vehicle computer data, led the Florida Highway Patrol to conclude that Mumby had intentionally caused the collision.
Initial Charges
In July, Mumby was arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and reckless driving causing serious bodily injury. The family’s attorney, John Hager, stated that evidence showed Mumby did not apply the brakes and that the car was accelerating at the moment of impact. Mumby told investigators she did not remember what caused the crash. She has pleaded not guilty.
Death and Upgraded Charges
Despite showing signs of progress, Waterman died on October 8, 2025, from pneumonia related to his injuries. He was 22. His family had hoped he was recovering when he died unexpectedly.
Following his death, the State Attorney’s Office filed a vehicular homicide charge against Mumby, an additional second-degree felony. Mumby turned herself in to the Flagler County jail on October 29 and was released after posting a $150,000 bond, a process that took just 37 minutes from booking to release, a detail that has not gone unnoticed by those following the case.
Assistant State Attorney Melissa Clark confirmed that the charges would not be dropped following Waterman’s death.
Court Delays Draw Criticism
The case has seen six continuances since proceedings began. At Mumby’s first pretrial appearance following the vehicular homicide charge, a judge granted the defense’s request for a 60-day extension to review new discovery, setting January 21 as the next pretrial date. The pattern of delays has drawn criticism from supporters of the Waterman family, who say the repeated postponements are undermining the integrity of the process.
Mumby is represented by Jacksonville attorney Reid Hart. Assistant State Attorney Melissa Clark is prosecuting the case.
Custody of the Child
Mumby discovered she was pregnant on the morning of the crash. She gave birth to the child on October 11, 2025. The Waterman family was informed of the birth by a third party and has had no direct contact with Mumby.
Heather Waterman, Daniel’s mother, filed suit in Flagler County Circuit Court seeking grandparental visitation rights. The family is also seeking custody of the newborn, pending the results of a paternity test. Daniel’s family has not met the child.
The court’s current custody arrangement has drawn significant concern from community members and advocates. “The fact that the defendant was granted custody of the child, despite the severity of the incident, is deeply concerning,” said one person following the case. “I think it’s essential to have a safety net for the child, especially considering the defendant’s history and the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
Who Was Daniel Waterman?
Waterman was a basketball and football player whose family described him as the best son and cousin anyone could ask for. Originally from the Liverpool area near Syracuse, New York, his family made the journey to Florida to be by his side throughout his hospitalization. “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.”
Community Response
In the wake of Waterman’s death, community members have organized to raise awareness and support the family’s push for accountability. A Facebook page has been established for those wishing to connect with others following the case at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582195621941.
“I believe it’s essential to have a thorough investigation and to ensure that justice is served,” said one community member involved in the effort.
What’s Next
The case is moving through the Flagler County courts, with a hearing scheduled for Wednesday, July 22 at 1:30pm in Courtroom 101. Supporters are encouraging the public to attend and share information within their networks.
Flagler County Courthouse – 1769 East Moody BLVD BLDG #1
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 1:30PM
All charges against Leigha Mumby are allegations. She is presumed innocent until proven guilty. This article will be updated as the case develops.
