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Police have arrested Lucas Roper, 19, and a 17-year-old juvenile after autopsy reports confirmed that Daniel Erving’s cause of death was accidental drowning. Roper was arrested on one count of tampering with physical evidence, a third-degree felony. The juvenile was also arrested on the same charge.
Erving was an 18-year-old Texas high school senior and swim team member who died on April 13, 2026, after drowning. Reports revealed that Erving left his home on the night of April 13, 2026, with Roper and the unnamed juvenile to go fishing at Lake Ray Hubbard. The three eventually jumped into the lake from a railroad bridge.
Why Were Lucas Roper and a 17-Year-Old Arrested
According to ABC News, Erving came to the surface of the water once, called for help, and then disappeared beneath the water. After Erving’s disappearance, the two teens failed to call 911 or report the incident. They also attempted to dispose of Erving’s clothing and threw away his cellphone. Further investigation revealed that the two deleted communications with Erving to hide evidence of their presence at the site.
“During the investigation, detectives identified evidence that two individuals who were present at the lake failed to report the incident and later discarded items belonging to Daniel,” Dallas Police Department spokesperson Erika M. Brown said. “As a result, investigators obtained arrest warrants for Lucas Roper, 19, and a juvenile suspect. They are each charged with tampering with physical evidence, a third-degree felony.”
According to investigators, Roper admitted that he panicked after Erving disappeared underwater and deleted messages and discarded evidence because he knew there would be an investigation into Erving’s death and did not want to get into trouble.
Why Daniel Erving’s Family Questions the Accidental Drowning Ruling
Erving’s family questions the ruling of accidental drowning. They argue that Erving was a trained athlete and a member of his high school’s swim team, making it difficult for them to believe he drowned accidentally.
“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?” Erving’s mother, Tameca Erving, said.
The family’s attorney has similar concerns regarding Erving’s death. “Daniel Erving was an honor roll student. He was a member of his swim team. He was a strong, healthy young athlete,” attorney Sean Daredia said. “For these two suspects to say he drowned and they left. It doesn’t add up; something smells off to us.”
The case remains under investigation. Authorities have not charged Roper or the juvenile in connection with Erving’s death.
