Father-to-Be Wakes from Coma, Reveals Girlfriend Intentionally Caused Crash Before Succumbing to Injuries

Florida, Oct. 30, 2025 — A tragic story out of Florida has taken a devastating turn after a man who survived a horrific car crash earlier this year briefly woke from a months-long coma — only to tell investigators that his pregnant girlfriend intentionally caused the accident — before dying from his injuries weeks later.

Daniel Waterman, 27, had been in a coma since February, when the vehicle he was in careened off Interstate 95 and slammed into a guardrail. His girlfriend, Samantha Reeves, 25, who was behind the wheel, was hospitalized with minor injuries and later released.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash initially appeared to be a tragic accident caused by excessive speed and wet road conditions. But when Waterman regained consciousness in late September, he reportedly told officers that Reeves deliberately crashed the car after an argument.

“He stated clearly that his girlfriend did it on purpose,” said Lieutenant Mark Benson of the FHP. “That statement changed everything in our investigation.”

Waterman remained hospitalized under intensive care but succumbed to his injuries on October 8, just days after giving his statement to police.

A Relationship in Turmoil

Friends of the couple told local media that Waterman and Reeves had been expecting their first child and had recently been struggling with relationship issues. Investigators believe an argument inside the car may have escalated moments before the crash.

“They were under a lot of pressure — financial issues, preparing for the baby,” said Angela Torres, a close friend of Waterman. “But nobody ever imagined something like this could happen.”

Reeves has not been charged but is now considered a person of interest in a potential homicide investigation. Police are awaiting further forensic evidence and reviewing cell phone data to determine what happened in the moments leading up to the crash.

A Case Reopened

Authorities confirmed that Waterman’s death has officially been ruled a homicide pending investigation. The medical examiner cited multiple traumatic injuries sustained in the crash as the cause of death.

The Florida Highway Patrol and the State Attorney’s Office are now collaborating on the case, while detectives continue to gather evidence to verify Waterman’s account.

🕯 Remembering Daniel Waterman

Family and friends held a candlelight vigil in Jacksonville last week, remembering Waterman as a “kind-hearted young man” and an excited father-to-be.

“He had so much to live for,” said his sister, Rachel Waterman. “It breaks our hearts that he never got to meet his baby.”

The infant, according to family members, did not survive the crash.

Ongoing Investigation

As the investigation unfolds, police have urged the public to come forward with any information related to the couple’s relationship or events leading up to the February crash.

“We owe it to Daniel and his family to uncover the full truth,” Lt. Benson said.

Reeves’ attorney has declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.

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