Florida man blames pregnant girlfriend for deliberate car crash before dying from injuries

A Florida man who awoke from a coma following a serious car crash accused his girlfriend of intentionally causing the wreck during an argument, according to court documents. Daniel Waterman, 22, told investigators that his girlfriend, Leigha Mumby, 24, deliberately drove into a tree along Interstate 95 in Flagler County on the night of the Super Bowl in February, court papers show.

Waterman, a Syracuse native, reportedly told authorities that Mumby said, “I don’t care what happens. You’ll get what you deserve,” before the crash occurred. The couple began arguing after Mumby discovered she was pregnant and after Waterman received a text from a woman in New York, according to the arrest affidavit obtained by People.

Waterman’s mother, Heather Waterman, told syracuse.com that the text was from a friend and fellow Philadelphia Eagles fan. Waterman, a Kansas City Chiefs supporter, had been discussing the Super Bowl matchup when the altercation began.


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Charges upgraded following victim’s death

According to court documents, Mumby allegedly began driving recklessly before crashing into a tree. Both suffered serious injuries, but Waterman was left in a coma.

He later regained limited communication abilities in May, using a whiteboard to inform investigators of the alleged intentional act. Waterman was eventually transferred to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse to continue treatment but died of pneumonia on Oct. 8, syracuse.com reported.

“He never gave up,” his mother said. “This whole entire time, he literally never gave up.”

Girlfriend charged with vehicular homicide

Mumby was initially charged with reckless driving causing serious bodily injury and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in July. Following Waterman’s death, prosecutors upgraded the charges to vehicular homicide, according to People.

Mumby, who also survived the crash and later gave birth, told authorities she did not recall what caused the collision. Her child survived the incident.

Waterman’s family is now seeking custody of the child. “We’ll do whatever we can do to bring her to us,” Heather Waterman said. “He wanted her raised in New York with his family.”