San Diego, CA —
A tragic plane crash in San Diego today has claimed the lives of Dave Shapiro, renowned music agent and founder of Sound Talent Group, and Daniel Williams, former drummer of the metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada (TDWP). The crash involved a Cessna 550 Citation II jet and occurred in the residential neighborhood of Murphy Canyon, near Tierrasanta, just north of Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport.
This devastating incident has shocked fans of Pierce The Veil, Sum 41, and The Devil Wears Prada, all of whom had close ties to Shapiro through Sound Talent Group’s roster.
✈️ The Crash: What Happened?
Around 11:42 a.m., emergency services received multiple calls reporting that a small business jet had gone down in a densely populated area near Murphy Canyon military housing. Witnesses said the aircraft appeared to lose altitude quickly after takeoff and crashed near a row of homes on Columbia Drive in the Tierrasanta area.
The aircraft has been identified as a Cessna 550 Citation II, a twin-engine jet often used for executive travel. According to FAA and NTSB reports, the jet was scheduled for a private flight from Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport to Los Angeles.
The crash resulted in an explosion upon impact, with debris scattering across backyards and rooftops. Local residents, including witness Kendall Fortner, described hearing a “loud boom followed by flames and thick black smoke.”
🔥 Emergency Response and Investigation
First responders arrived within minutes. San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, paramedics, and law enforcement cordoned off the area. The FAA and NTSB have launched a joint investigation into what caused the San Diego jet crash, and black box data is being analyzed.
Officials have confirmed at least four fatalities on board the aircraft. Among the deceased:
- Dave Shapiro, 46 – Founder of Sound Talent Group
- Daniel Williams, 38 – Former drummer of The Devil Wears Prada (TDWP)
- Unnamed pilot and co-pilot
Authorities have not confirmed whether any civilians on the ground were injured, though several homes were damaged.
🎸 Who Was Dave Shapiro?
Dave Shapiro was a titan in the rock and metalcore scene. Through Sound Talent Group, he helped build the touring careers of bands like:
- Pierce The Veil
- The Devil Wears Prada
- Sum 41
- Motionless In White
- Knocked Loose
Shapiro was known not only as a music agent, but as a connector — bridging festivals, venues, and artist careers globally.
He was praised for his work ethic and advocacy for mental health in the music industry. News of his death has prompted an outpouring of grief across social media.
🥁 Daniel Williams: The Devil Wears Prada Drummer
Daniel Williams, known for his intricate and aggressive drumming style, was one of the founding members of The Devil Wears Prada. Although he left the band in 2016, he remained musically active, working on side projects and mentoring young musicians.
Williams was reportedly joining Shapiro for a music business summit in Los Angeles. Fans and fellow musicians have taken to social platforms to pay tribute.
“Daniel was the heartbeat of TDWP in their formative years. This is heartbreaking.” — @MetalCoreMemoirs on X
📍 Where Did the Plane Crash?
The crash occurred near Murphy Canyon and Tierrasanta, residential neighborhoods in northern San Diego known for military housing and family homes. The area is located just east of Interstate 15, north of the airport.
- Exact crash site: Columbia Drive, Murphy Canyon
- Closest airport: Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport
- Aircraft: Cessna 550 Citation II
- Flight type: Private business flight
🛩️ What Is a Cessna 550?
The Cessna Citation II (C550) is a light business jet built for speed and short-range corporate flights. While generally reliable, the aircraft is over 30 years old and has limited safety tech compared to newer jets.
The cause of the San Diego plane crash 2025 is still under investigation, though early reports suggest mechanical failure or pilot error.
📰 Media and Public Reaction
Outlets like AP News, Reuters, and San Diego Union-Tribune have picked up the story, with headlines such as:
“San Diego Plane Crash Kills Music Agent Dave Shapiro and Devil Wears Prada Drummer”
“Cessna Jet Crashes in Tierrasanta Neighborhood — 4 Dead”
On social media, the hashtags #DaveShapiro, #DanielWilliams, #TDWP, and #SanDiegoPlaneCrash are trending nationwide.
💬 Reactions from the Music Community
- Mike Hranica (TDWP frontman): “My heart is shattered. Danny was more than a drummer. He was family.”
- Pierce The Veil (official): “Dave was the reason we ever toured internationally. A legend. A friend.”
- Sum 41 (X post): “Devastated by the news of Dave’s passing. Touring won’t be the same without him.”
🕯️ Remembering the Legacy
Both Shapiro and Williams leave behind lasting legacies in the world of alternative music. Shapiro revolutionized artist booking, and Williams helped define a genre.
Tribute concerts are being planned by Sound Talent Group, and memorials will be held in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ohio (Williams’ home state).