Daniel Waterman, a 22-year-old sports lover, passed away at 8:20 p.m. on October 8, 2025, following a devastating car accident on Super Bowl night.
He was a passenger in a severe car accident that left him with life-threatening injuries on February 9, 2025. He wore his seatbelt, but the impact was devastating.
What should have been a time of celebration turned into a tragedy for Daniel Waterman on Super Bowl night. He was a passenger in a severe car accident that has left him with life-altering injuries.
According to reports, his girlfriend was driving at high speed when she lost control and crashed into a tree. She has been in custody at the Flagler County Detention Facility.
The aftermath for Daniel had been devastating, and he was rushed to Halifax Health Trauma Center. He suffered life-threatening injuries, including multiple broken bones, spinal damage, and collapsed lungs.
He kept going into cardiac arrest, and his team of doctors brought him back to life eight times. His recovery was an arduous journey that required extensive surgeries, medical treatment, and years of therapy.
He fought for his life, but sadly, left the world on October 8, 2025.
He just wanted to come home to his family who loved him endlessly. You can now rest easy, Daniel — your fight is over, but we won’t stop fighting for you.
Tiffany Waterman
Daniel Waterman’s Family Mourns The Tragic Loss
Daniel Waterman, the son of Heather Waterman, was born on January 18, 2003, in Syracuse, New York. He was a vibrant soul whose light was extinguished far too soon.
He passed away at 22 on the evening of October 8, 2025, as a result of injuries sustained in a tragic car accident.
Daniel was marked as special from his very first breath.
His grandfather, Michael Gilman, who had the sacred honor of cutting his umbilical cord, knew instantly the unique spirit that had entered their lives.
You were my joy, my pride, and my teacher. I will carry your memory in every breath, every sunrise, and every heartbeat. Your child will know the hero you were. And I will tell them, one day, how I cut your cord and held you first—and how you held us all together with your strength.
Michael Gilman
Rest now, my sweet boy. You are free.
Daniel grew into a vibrant and athletic young man. His passion for sports matched his magnetic and contagious energy.
Moreover, his presence was rare, yet he struck a beautiful balance between being a fierce competitor and having a profoundly kind heart. He had a gift for making everyone around him feel seen, valued, and included.
Daniel’s untimely passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. His dynamic spirit and his capacity for friendship touched countless lives.
He was a sports lover, a beloved son, a cherished grandson, and a loyal friend whose memory will be a blessing to all who were fortunate enough to know him.
The Waterman family will soon announce a service to celebrate Daniel’s life at a later date.
Community Rallies for Waterman Family After Accident
The Waterman family faced a difficult time after a devastating accident had left them with a significant financial burden. Daniel Waterman faced a tragic accident in Florida, far from his home in Syracuse.
He was supposed to be returning home but required constant care, prompting family members to take turns traveling to Florida to be by his bedside.
Tiffany and Heather Waterman have organized a GoFundMe fundraiser with a goal of $50,000 to help with the overwhelming costs.
They asked for the community’s support to aid in Daniel’s recovery.
Every donation was directed towards the expenses incurred as a result of the accident, including medical bills, necessary home modifications, daily living costs, and other essential needs during their challenging recovery period.
Every contribution, no matter the size, has helped the Waterman family avoid some financial burden.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Daniel Waterman is originally from Syracuse, New York, and lived in Clay, New York.
- He attended Liverpool High School from 2007 to 2021.
