Daniel Williams, Former The Devil Wears Prada Drummer, and Dave Shapiro, Sound Talent Group Co-Founder, Among Six Killed in San Diego Plane Crash
Daniel Williams, Former The Devil Wears Prada Drummer, and Dave Shapiro, Sound Talent Group Co-Founder, Among Six Killed in San Diego Plane Crash
San Diego, CA — In the early hours of May 22, 2025, a tragic plane crash occurred in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood of San Diego, claiming the lives of six individuals, including Daniel Williams, former drummer of the metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada, and Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group. The crash not only devastated the music community but also caused significant damage to the residential area, leading to the evacuation of over 100 residents.(The Times)
Final Moments Captured on Social Media
Prior to the crash, Daniel Williams shared a series of Instagram stories documenting the flight. One post showed him seated at the plane’s controls with the caption, “Hey. Hey… you… look at me…. I’m the (co)pilot now,” referencing a popular movie quote. Another image depicted the aircraft with the caption, “Flying back with @davevelocity,” tagging Dave Shapiro. A final story showed Williams in the co-pilot’s seat moments before takeoff, captioned, “Here we gooooo.” These posts have since become poignant reminders of the lives lost in the accident.
Details of the Crash
The aircraft, a Cessna Citation II, departed from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey around 11:15 p.m. ET on May 21, 2025, making a fuel stop in Wichita, Kansas, before continuing its journey to Southern California. At approximately 3:45 a.m. PT, while approaching Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, the plane crashed into the Murphy Canyon neighborhood under dense fog conditions. The crash resulted in fires that damaged or destroyed multiple homes and vehicles, leading to the evacuation of approximately 100 residents. Emergency responders, including over 50 personnel, arrived on the scene to manage the situation. (AP News, The US Sun)
Victims and Community Impact
Among the six individuals on board, all were confirmed deceased. Dave Shapiro, 42, a prominent music agent known for representing bands such as Sum 41 and Story of the Year, was identified as one of the victims. Shapiro was also the owner of the aircraft and a licensed pilot, operating a flight school named Velocity Aviation. (New York Post, AP News)
Daniel Williams, 39, had been a significant figure in the metalcore scene as the drummer for The Devil Wears Prada until his departure from the band in 2016. His contributions to the band’s early success and his dynamic drumming style left a lasting impact on fans and fellow musicians alike.
The crash also claimed the lives of two other employees from Sound Talent Group, whose identities have not been publicly disclosed. The music community has expressed profound grief over the loss, with tributes pouring in from artists and fans worldwide. (New York Post, The Times)
Investigation and Safety Concerns
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that dense fog and limited visibility may have been contributing factors. The aircraft reportedly struck power lines before crashing, which may have exacerbated the severity of the incident.
The crash has raised concerns about flight safety in adverse weather conditions and the protocols in place for private aircraft operations. Authorities are reviewing flight data and communication records to gain a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to the tragedy.
Community Response and Support
In the wake of the disaster, the local community has rallied to support those affected. Emergency shelters were established for displaced residents, and efforts are underway to provide assistance to those who lost their homes and belongings. The incident has highlighted the importance of community solidarity in times of crisis.
The music industry, mourning the loss of influential figures like Williams and Shapiro, has organized memorials and tributes to honor their legacies. Fans and colleagues remember them not only for their professional achievements but also for their personal warmth and dedication to their craft.
Conclusion
The tragic plane crash in San Diego serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact individuals can have on their communities. As investigations continue, the memories of Daniel Williams and Dave Shapiro endure through the music they helped create and the lives they touched.
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