Florida man woke from coma

Daniel Waterman, a man originally from the Syracuse area in New York, suffered critical injuries during a devastating crash on Interstate 95 in Flagler County, Florida, on Super Bowl Sunday in 2025. He was riding with his pregnant girlfriend, Leigha Mumby, when the incident occurred.

Reports stated that the couple had been arguing while traveling. During the heated dispute, the vehicle suddenly left the roadway and slammed into a tree, causing severe damage and leaving Waterman badly hurt.

Waterman fell into a coma after the crash, while Mumby and the unborn baby survived. Doctors spent months trying to stabilize him as his condition remained uncertain for an extended period of time.

After briefly regaining consciousness, Waterman spoke with investigators and claimed the crash was intentional. He alleged that Mumby deliberately drove recklessly during the argument and caused the collision out of anger.

Court documents later revealed that tensions may have escalated because of a pregnancy-related issue and a text message that intensified emotions. Waterman reportedly told authorities he attempted to get out of the vehicle before the crash but could not escape.

Mumby initially informed police that she could not remember what happened. She was later arrested and charged with reckless driving causing serious injury and aggravated battery. After Waterman died on October 8, 2025, from complications linked to the crash, prosecutors upgraded the case to vehicular homicide.

Following his death, Waterman’s family sought custody of the surviving child. Relatives said he wanted the baby raised in New York among his family, keeping the child connected to his roots and loved ones.