The family of a soon-to-be father who tragically died after his girlfriend allegedly caused a deliberate car crash in Florida has expressed their approval of the charges brought against her through their legal representative.

Twenty-four-year-old Leigha Mumby has been charged with vehicular homicide following the death of Daniel Waterman. The 22-year-old, originally from New York, was a passenger in the vehicle driven by Mumby when it crashed on an interstate in Flagler County, Florida, back in February.

Waterman sustained critical injuries in the accident and unfortunately passed away on October 8, as reported by FOX35 Orlando. According to troopers, while in his hospital bed, Waterman alleged that Mumby intentionally caused the crash, purportedly stating, “I don’t care what happens. You’ll get what you deserve.”

“This is an incredibly tragic situation with no real winners,” remarked John Hager, the attorney representing Waterman’s family, to Fox News Digital on Saturday. “The family believes that the charges are appropriate and are grateful for the thorough work by the State Attorney’s office in Flagler County, which has led to these charges being filed.”

Daniel Waterman succumbed to his injuries on October 8, 2025, following the crash earlier in the year. (Photo courtesy of Heather Waterman via FOX35 Orlando WOFL)

The Flagler County Attorney’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.

Waterman’s mother told Syracuse.com that he was in a coma for a time before waking and recovering enough to tell investigators what happened before the crash.

Waterman’s grandfather, Michael Gilman, also told CNYCentral.com that Waterman broke his neck, his back, his collarbone in three places, dislocated both hips, broke his leg and his ankle.

Leigha Mumby, 24, had charges upgraded to vehicular homicide following Waterman’s death. (Flagler County Sheriff’s Office)

“He broke everything,” he said. “It wasn’t much, not broken. He was scratched up all over the place.”

Mumby was initially arrested in July and charged with reckless driving causing serious bodily injury and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Mumby had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Prosecutors later upgraded Mumby’s charges to vehicular homicide earlier this week following Waterman’s death. She was booked into the Flagler County Jail and released after posting a $150,000 bond.

An obituary for Waterman posted on Syracuse.com said he “left this world on October 8th, far too soon following a tragic act of violence.”

“Daniel passed away after courageously fighting for eight months from injuries sustained in a crash,” it continued. “Daniel was an excited, soon-to-be father of a baby girl. He wanted nothing more than to come home to her and to the family who loved him so dearly.”

The portion of I-95 North in Flagler County, Florida, where the crash happened in February. (Google Maps)

“A natural athlete, Daniel especially loved basketball and could often be found on the court, where his passion and determination shone through,” it also said. “His strength, determination, and infectious energy left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.”