PALM COAST, FL – A tragic car crash earlier this year on Interstate 95 has led to the death of a 22-year-old man and a series of serious criminal charges against his pregnant girlfriend, as newly released court documents reveal harrowing details and a family’s struggle for justice.
Daniel Waterman, a New York native, was critically injured in the February 9 incident, suffering multiple life-threatening injuries that left him in a coma for more than three months. Authorities say Waterman’s girlfriend, Leigha Mumby, 24, was behind the wheel when the vehicle veered off the road and struck a tree.
After regaining consciousness in mid-May, Waterman was unable to speak due to the extent of his injuries. Police investigators communicated with him by using a letter board, prompting him to spell out key information about the crash. According to court filings, Waterman indicated that Mumby deliberately caused the wreck during a heated argument.
Waterman reportedly told detectives that the couple had been fighting after Mumby learned she was pregnant and discovered a message Waterman had received from a woman in New York. The confrontation escalated as the two traveled north on I-95, ultimately leading to what Waterman described as reckless driving by Mumby.
As outlined in the complaint, Waterman tried to exit the moving vehicle after Mumby slowed the car to about 50 mph. Before he could act, Mumby allegedly accelerated to speeds as high as 90 mph. Waterman said his last memory before the crash involved Mumby telling him that he would “get what he deserved,” moments before the car left the roadway.
Family members told investigators that minutes before the collision, Mumby sent a text message from Waterman’s phone suggesting revenge as her motive. The message, sent to one of Waterman’s relatives, reportedly said, “This is what he gets for being a liar and a cheater.”
The impact of the crash left Waterman with severe injuries, including spinal and multiple bone fractures, brain trauma, and lung contusions. Despite his lengthy fight for recovery, Waterman died on October 8 after developing pneumonia, according to his family.
In July, following Waterman’s account to police, Mumby was arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and reckless driving causing serious bodily harm. Those charges were elevated to vehicular homicide after his death.
Court records note that Waterman’s final wish was for his child to be raised by his family in New York. His mother says the family intends to pursue custody of the baby girl, who survived the incident.
As of now, Mumby has been released on bond. Her next court hearing is scheduled for November 19, as the case continues to unfold in the Florida legal system.