Tragic Plane Crash in San Diego Claims Lives of Music Industry Icons

Overview of the Incident

On May 22, 2025, a devastating plane crash occurred in San Diego, California, resulting in the loss of six lives. The crash involved a Cessna 550 Citation II jet, which was en route from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, with a fueling stop in Wichita, Kansas, before its intended arrival at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego. The aircraft crashed into the Murphy Canyon neighborhood near the airport at approximately 3:45 a.m. local time.

Victims and Their Contributions

Dave Shapiro

Dave Shapiro, born on January 11, 1983, in Albany, New York, was a renowned music agent, entrepreneur, and pilot. He co-founded Sound Talent Group, a prominent talent agency representing major rock and alternative artists, including Sum 41, Parkway Drive, Pierce the Veil, and Vanessa Carlton. Shapiro also founded Velocity Records and Velocity Aviation, showcasing his multifaceted involvement in the music and aviation industries. Before his career in music management, Shapiro was the drummer for the pop-punk band Count the Stars, signed to Victory Records. He was remembered as a unifying and inspirational figure who championed artists with integrity. 

Daniel Williams

Daniel Williams, born on January 23, 1986, was the former drummer of the metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada. Williams was known for his dynamic stage presence and significant contributions to the band's rise in the alternative rock scene. Hours before the crash, Williams shared photos from inside the cockpit on his Instagram account, captioning one with "Here we gooooo." Following the incident, The Devil Wears Prada paid tribute to Williams on social media, stating, "No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever." 

Other Victims

In addition to Shapiro and Williams, four other individuals were aboard the aircraft: two unnamed employees of Sound Talent Group and two additional passengers whose identities have not been publicly disclosed. All six individuals tragically lost their lives in the crash. 

Circumstances Leading to the Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the pilot considered diverting due to dense fog but did not indicate awareness of the inoperable runway lights. Despite federal notices about the disabled lights, the pilot continued with the landing attempt, saying, “Doesn’t sound great but we’ll give it a go.” The jet struck a powerline and crashed into a U.S. Navy housing area two miles from the airport. Remarkably, no residents were killed, though 15 homes were damaged, and eight people were treated for smoke inhalation. 

Impact on the Music Community

The alternative rock and metalcore communities have been deeply affected by the loss of Shapiro and Williams. Shapiro played a crucial role in promoting underground rock genres like post-hardcore, metalcore, and pop-punk, helping artists transition from DIY scenes to mainstream success. His agency represented notable acts such as Sum 41, Pierce the Veil, Parkway Drive, and Vanessa Carlton. Williams, admired for his dynamic stage presence and impact on the scene, contributed to The Devil Wears Prada's rise. The alternative rock community is mourning the loss, with tributes pouring in recognizing the profound influence both men had on shaping the genre and supporting emerging talent. 

Official Investigation

The NTSB sent eight investigators along with representatives from the plane engine manufacturer and the airframe manufacturer to the crash site. Their team is working to locate a flight recorder from the crash scene. The FAA also stated they were investigating the crash. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the crash. 

Key Facts at a Glance

Conclusion

The tragic plane crash in San Diego has resulted in the loss of two influential figures in the music industry, Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams. Their contributions to the alternative rock and metalcore scenes have left an indelible mark, and their untimely deaths have left a void in the music community. As investigations continue, the memories of their work and passion for music will undoubtedly inspire future generations of artists and fans alike.