Daniel Erving’s death ruled accidental drowning; family questions autopsy and evidence tampering

An autopsy performed by the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences concluded that 18‑year‑old Daniel Erving died from an accidental drowning after jumping into Lake Ray Hubbard in Texas in April. The medical examiner reported no signs of foul play, but the investigation remains open. Two Texas teens – 19‑year‑old Lucas Roper and a 17‑year‑old juvenile – have been charged with felony evidence‑tampering for allegedly discarding Erving’s phone and clothing and deleting text messages after he disappeared.

Erving’s mother, Tameka Erving, publicly rejected the findings, saying, “A reasonably minded person would know that if you were not guilty of a crime, why would you throw away his phone, throw away his clothes and not call his mother.” The family, represented by attorney Sean Daredia, is conducting an independent investigation and urges justice for Daniel. The autopsy determination may be revisited if new evidence emerges, and the criminal case continues.