San Diego Plane Crash 2025: Remembering Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams

On the early morning of May 22, 2025, a tragic San Diego plane crash shook the Murphy Canyon neighborhood, claiming the lives of several individuals, including prominent music agent Dave Shapiro and former drummer Daniel Williams. This devastating incident not only left a mark on the San Diego community but also sent shockwaves through the music industry, where both Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams were influential figures. This article delves into the details of the San Diego plane crash, the lives of Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams, and the lasting impact of their legacies.

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The Tragic San Diego Plane Crash

The San Diego plane crash occurred around 3:45 a.m. in the Tierra Santa area, specifically in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood, a residential area known for its Navy-owned housing. A Cessna 550 Citation, registered to Deviator LLC, an Alaska-based company managed by Dave Shapiro, plummeted into the neighborhood, igniting a fireball that destroyed at least one home, damaged 15 others, and set multiple vehicles ablaze.

The San Diego plane crash resulted in the loss of all six individuals presumed to be on board, with Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams among the confirmed victims. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred in dense fog, potentially contributing to the tragedy.

The San Diego plane crash caused significant disruption, with approximately 100 residents evacuated due to the fires and jet fuel spillage. Eight people on the ground were injured, with five from a single family hospitalized for smoke inhalation. The scene was described as “horrific” by San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl, with jet fuel flooding the streets and flames consuming parts of the neighborhood. The San Diego plane crash highlighted the vulnerability of residential areas near airports, as the plane was en route to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, just two miles from the crash site.

Dave Shapiro: A Visionary in Music and Aviation

Dave Shapiro, aged 42, was a titan in the music industry and an avid aviator. As the co-founder of Sound Talent Group (STG), Dave Shapiro represented major acts such as Sum 41, Pierce the Veil, I Prevail, Silverstein, and Parkway Drive. His passion for independent music and hard rock was evident in his work, which began at large agencies like United Talent Agency and The Agency Group before he launched STG in 2018 with partners Tim Borror and Matt Andersen. The San Diego plane crash claimed not only Dave Shapiro but also two other STG employees, whose names have not been publicly disclosed to respect their families’ privacy.

Beyond his music career, Dave Shapiro was a certified airline transport pilot with over 15 years of flying experience. He owned Velocity Aviation, a company offering pilot instruction, and was known for his adventurous spirit, engaging in activities like BASE jumping and aerobatic flying. His aviation website described his love for the sky, stating, “From helicopters to twin engines, flight instructing to furthering his own education, it doesn’t matter to Dave as long as he gets to be in the sky.” The San Diego plane crash cut short the life of a man who lived fearlessly, both in the air and in the music industry.

Dave Shapiro’s impact on the music community was profound. Tributes poured in from artists and industry professionals, with Hanson, one of his clients, noting, “Dave was fearless in life, and tireless in his work, and the kind of friend you would want on your speed dial.” The San Diego plane crash left a void in the industry, with colleagues describing Dave Shapiro as a visionary who shaped the careers of countless musicians.

Daniel Williams: The Heartbeat of The Devil Wears Prada

Daniel Williams, aged 39, was the former drummer of the Christian metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada, where he played from 2005 to 2016. His contributions to albums like With Roots Above and Branches Below, Zombie EP, and Dead Throne helped establish the band as a powerhouse in the metalcore scene. The San Diego plane crash took Daniel Williams, a beloved figure known for his powerful drumming and warm personality. Fans and bandmates alike mourned his loss, with The Devil Wears Prada posting a heartfelt tribute on Instagram: “No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.”

Hours before the San Diego plane crash, Daniel Williams shared Instagram stories that would later become haunting. One post showed him in the co-pilot’s seat of the Cessna 550, captioned, “Hey… look at me… I’m the (co) pilot now.” Another read, “Here we goooooo,” capturing his excitement for the flight. Although Daniel Williams did not have a pilot’s license, according to his father, Larry Williams, these posts suggested he was on board with Dave Shapiro, who was likely piloting the plane. The San Diego plane crash ended the life of a musician whose work inspired countless fans, with one X user writing, “The drums on Plagues blew my mind when it came out & nothing’s changed.”

After leaving The Devil Wears Prada, Daniel Williams transitioned to a career as a software engineer at GoPro in San Diego. Remarkably, he survived a mass shooting in Dayton, Ohio, in 2019, making his death in the San Diego plane crash even more tragic. His resilience and talent left a lasting legacy, with fans remembering him as a “great guy” who always made time for them.

The Aftermath of the San Diego Plane Crash

The San Diego plane crash originated from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, with a stop in Wichita, Kansas, for refueling before heading to San Diego. The Cessna 550, with the tail number N666DS, was registered to Daviator LLC, solely managed by Dave Shapiro. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, with foggy weather cited as a possible factor. The San Diego plane crash not only claimed lives but also disrupted a close-knit community, with debris and jet fuel causing widespread damage.

Sound Talent Group issued a statement to Billboard, expressing their devastation: “We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues, and friends. Our hearts go out to their families and to everyone impacted by today’s tragedy.” The San Diego plane crash prompted an outpouring of grief on social media, with industry professionals like music producer Ryan Bruce and artist manager Bill D’Arcangelo praising Dave Shapiro’s influence and Daniel Williams’s kindness.

The Impact on the Music Industry

The loss of Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams in the San Diego plane crash reverberated across the music industry. Dave Shapiro’s work with Sound Talent Group supported over 400 artists, fostering a community of independent and alternative musicians. His innovative approach and dedication to live music were instrumental in navigating the industry through challenges like the pandemic shutdown. The San Diego plane crash robbed the industry of a leader whose passion for music and aviation inspired those around him.

Daniel Williams’s contributions to The Devil Wears Prada defined a generation of metalcore fans. His dynamic drumming and engaging personality made him a fan favorite, and his untimely death in the San Diego plane crash left fans reflecting on his enduring influence. The band’s tribute encapsulated their grief, emphasizing the profound impact Daniel Williams had on their success.

Community Response and Investigation

The San Diego plane crash prompted a swift response from local authorities and emergency services. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department worked to extinguish fires and ensure resident safety, with Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy noting the challenge of managing jet fuel spillage. The NTSB’s investigation will focus on factors like weather conditions, mechanical issues, and pilot error, though it remains unclear if Dave Shapiro was piloting the plane at the time of the crash.

The Murphy Canyon community, home to military families, faced significant disruption. The San Diego plane crash highlighted the risks of aircraft operating near residential areas, raising questions about safety protocols at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. Residents described hearing a loud boom and seeing an orange glow in the sky, a stark reminder of the tragedy’s impact.

Honoring the Legacies of Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams

The San Diego plane crash was a heartbreaking loss for the families, friends, and fans of Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams. Dave Shapiro’s adventurous spirit and commitment to music left an indelible mark, with his work at Sound Talent Group shaping the careers of countless artists. Daniel Williams’s drumming and kind demeanor made him a beloved figure, whose legacy will live on through his music and the memories of those who knew him.

As the investigation into the San Diego plane crash continues, the music community and San Diego residents mourn the loss of these remarkable individuals. Their contributions to music and their vibrant personalities will not be forgotten, and their stories serve as a reminder to cherish every moment.

San Diego Plane Crash A Tragic Loss for the Music Industry

On May 22, 2025, a Cessna 550 private jet crashed into the Murphy Canyon neighborhood in San Diego, California, at approximately 3:45 a.m. The aircraft, registered to Daviator LLC, owned by Dave Shapiro, was en route from Teterboro Airport, New Jersey, with a stop in Wichita, Kansas, to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. The San Diego plane crash resulted in the presumed deaths of all six passengers, including Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams, and caused widespread destruction in the military housing community.

Victims of the Crash

Dave Shapiro: A 42-year-old music agent and co-founder of Sound Talent Group (STG), Dave Shapiro was a visionary in the music industry, representing bands like Sum 41, Pierce the Veil, and I Prevail. He was also an experienced pilot and owner of Velocity Aviation.
Daniel Williams: A 39-year-old former drummer for The Devil Wears Prada, Daniel Williams contributed to the band’s rise in the metalcore scene before transitioning to a career in software engineering at GoPro and Apple.

Impact on the Community

The San Diego plane crash ignited fires that destroyed one home and damaged 10 others, with jet fuel spilling across the neighborhood. Approximately 100 residents were evacuated, and eight individuals were injured, including a family of five hospitalized for smoke inhalation. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department worked tirelessly to extinguish fires and secure the area.

Ongoing Investigation

The NTSB is investigating the cause of the San Diego plane crash, with preliminary reports suggesting dense fog may have contributed. The aircraft’s flight path and Dave Shapiro’s role as a potential pilot are under scrutiny. Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

Tributes and Legacy

The music industry has been deeply affected by the loss of Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams. Sound Talent Group issued a statement expressing devastation, while The Devil Wears Prada posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram: “No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.” Fans and colleagues have flooded social media with condolences, highlighting the lasting impact of both individuals.