The family of Daniel Erving an 18-year-old honor student, is demanding justice and transparency following his tragic death at Lake Ray Hubbard in April 2026. Erving’s body was recovered near the Paddle Point area of the lake, and the Dallas County Medical Examiner ruled his death an accidental drowning.
However, the case took a dramatic turn when two individuals present at the lake were arrested for tampering with physical evidence. The family, supported by the Next Generation Action Network (NGAN) is calling for a thorough investigation and additional criminal charges.
The Circumstances Surrounding Daniel Erving’s Death
Daniel Erving was last seen on April 13, 2026 around 4:45 p.m., after leaving his home in Rowlett, Texas. His family reported him missing after he left with only his cellphone, leaving behind his driver’s license, money, and other personal belongings. Three days later, authorities recovered his body from Lake Ray Hubbard.
According to an arrest affidavit, Erving had gone to the lake with Lucas Roper 19, and a juvenile. The three allegedly jumped into the water from a railroad bridge near Miller Road. Instead of reporting the incident or seeking help, Roper and the juvenile discarded Erving’s clothing, deleted messages from his cellphone, threw the phone from a moving vehicle, and left the scene.
The Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
Dallas police conducted a thorough investigation, including witness interviews and evidence collection. The Dallas County Medical Examiner confirmed that Erving’s cause of death was drowning, and the manner of death was ruled accidental. However, the actions of Roper and the juvenile raised serious questions.
Investigators obtained arrest warrants for Roper and the juvenile, charging them with tampering with physical evidence a third-degree felony. Both suspects have been arrested, and the cases will proceed through the criminal justice system. Police declined to provide additional details, citing the active criminal investigation and pending prosecution.
The Family’s Call for Justice
The Erving family, along with their attorney Sean Daredia has retained an independent investigative team to examine the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s death. Daredia questioned whether the available evidence is consistent with an accidental drowning, highlighting the suspicious behavior of Roper and the juvenile.
“If it’s an accident, why hide the clothes? Why flee the scene? Why toss Daniel Erving’s cell phone out the car?” Daredia said. He urged the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office to present the case to a grand jury and pursue homicide charges if the evidence supports them.
Daniel’s mother, Tameca Erving expressed her disbelief at the actions taken by those present at the lake. “A reasonable-minded person would know if you are not guilty of a crime, why would you throw away his clothes and delete messages and not even call his mother?” she said. Daniel’s sister, Mackenzie Erving described her brother as a law-abiding young man with dreams of serving in the military.
The Role of the Next Generation Action Network
The Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), a North Texas civil rights organization, has joined Erving’s family in calling for transparency and accountability. NGAN President Dominique Alexander stated that the arrests represent a significant step but emphasized the need for a complete investigation.
“We are calling upon the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office to follow the evidence wherever it leads,” Alexander said. “If the evidence supports additional charges, then those charges should be pursued. Justice demands nothing less.”
The family has also criticized the months-long delay between Daniel’s death and the arrests. NGAN and the Erving family are seeking transparency, accountability, and a complete investigation, urging prosecutors to consider additional criminal charges based on the evidence.
