Nearly a year after a devastating car crash in Florida, the family of 22-year-old Daniel Waterman says they remain focused on seeking justice while hoping to one day build a relationship with the daughter he never had the chance to meet.
Waterman was seriously injured in a crash on Super Bowl Sunday in February 2025 in Flagler County, Florida. He was transported by air to a hospital, where he spent several months receiving intensive medical care. He later passed away on October 8, 2025. According to reports, his daughter was born three days later.
The child’s family on her father’s side says they have not yet met her and do not know her name.
“That tears at our heart,” Waterman’s grandfather, Michael Gilman, told local media.
“She needs to know who her dad was. She never got to meet him, so it’s our responsibility to make sure she knows about him.”
Family Recalls Daniel Waterman’s Account
According to family members, Waterman briefly regained consciousness during his hospitalization and described what he remembered about the moments leading up to the crash.
His aunt, Tiffany Waterman, told local news outlet WSYR-TV that Daniel said he and his then-pregnant girlfriend, Leigha Mumby, had argued while driving after he received a text message from a longtime female friend.
The family said Waterman recalled the disagreement escalating before the collision. These statements represent the family’s account of what Daniel reportedly remembered and have not been independently verified in court.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed all of the details described by family members.
Criminal Case Continues
Following the investigation, prosecutors charged Leigha Mumby with vehicular homicide. She has the right to contest the allegations, and the charges remain subject to the judicial process.
Waterman’s family has traveled repeatedly from Central New York to Florida as court proceedings have continued. A pretrial hearing has been scheduled as the case moves forward.
Michael Gilman, who helped raise his grandson, said the family remains committed to seeing the legal process through.
“We promised Daniel we would make sure he gets justice,” he said. “We’ll do everything in our power to make sure that his daughter knows him as best anybody could.”
His aunt reflected on the young man’s future, saying she had watched him grow into adulthood and looked forward to seeing him become a father.
“He was just starting out on his life at 22,” she said.
A Family Looking Toward the Future
As the legal proceedings continue, Waterman’s loved ones say they hope one day to share stories, photographs, and memories with his daughter so she can learn about the father she never had the opportunity to know.
The case remains ongoing, and any determination regarding criminal responsibility will be made by the court based on the evidence presented.