Please E-mail suggested additions, comments and/or corrections to Kent@MoreLaw.Com.
Help support the publication of case reports on MoreLaw
United States of America v. Daniel Gavin Couch
Date: 08-11-2025
Case Number: 25-cr-10036
Judge: Jose E. Martinez
Court: The United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida (Miami-Dade County)
Plaintiff's Attorney: The United States Attorney’s Office for Miami
Defendant's Attorney: Click Here For The Best Miami, Florida Criminal Defense Law Lawyer Directory
Miami, Florida criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with Manslaughter
Marathon Man Charged with Seaman's Marathon Man Charged with Seaman's Manslaughter
A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Daniel Gavin Couch, 52, with one count of seaman's manslaughter.
According to the indictment, Couch was employed as a captain by Lighthouse Parasail, Inc., in Monroe County, Florida, and operated a commercial parasailing vessel, the M/V AIRBORNE, on the company's behalf. The AIRBORNE was an inspected commercial vessel regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard and primarily used for parasailing charters.
On May 30, 2022, Couch engaged in misconduct, negligence, or inattention to his duties as captain, causing the death of a passenger.
If convicted, Couch faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O'Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Josh W. Packer of the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) Southeast Field Office made the announcement.
CGIS Southeast Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Lake Worth and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Office of Law Enforcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller and Coast Guard Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanner Stiehl are prosecuting the case.
An indictment contains mere allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
About This Case
What was the outcome of United States of America v. Daniel Gavin Couch?
The outcome was: An indictment contains mere allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Which court heard United States of America v. Daniel Gavin Couch?
This case was heard in The United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida (Miami-Dade County), FL. The presiding judge was Jose E. Martinez.
Who were the attorneys in United States of America v. Daniel Gavin Couch?
Plaintiff's attorney: The United States Attorney’s Office for Miami. Defendant's attorney: Click Here For The Best Miami, Florida Criminal Defense Law Lawyer Directory.
When was United States of America v. Daniel Gavin Couch decided?
This case was decided on August 11, 2025.