San Diego, CA —
In a devastating turn of events that has shaken both the music industry and the San Diego community, a Cessna 550 Citation II business jet crashed into a residential neighborhood in Murphy Canyon, San Diego, killing multiple passengers including Dave Shapiro, the renowned music agent behind the success of bands like Pierce The Veil, The Devil Wears Prada (TDWP), and Sum 41. Also confirmed dead is Daniel Williams, former drummer of TDWP and a respected figure in the metalcore scene.
The crash occurred in the late morning hours near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, a hub for small aircraft. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Cessna 550 was in the process of ascending when it suffered a sudden loss of power or control, leading to its horrifying descent into the residential blocks of Murphy Canyon, a densely populated area not far from Tierrasanta.
🚨 The Crash and Emergency Response
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud boom followed by flames and thick plumes of black smoke. Within minutes, fire trucks, ambulances, and law enforcement officials were on the scene. The aircraft reportedly made contact with rooftops and crashed directly into a backyard, narrowly missing several homes but completely engulfing the crash zone in flames.
Authorities from San Diego Fire-Rescue, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and local police worked in coordination to evacuate nearby homes, suppress fires, and secure the site. The jet, a Cessna Citation II registered under private charter, was found in pieces, with its fuselage nearly unrecognizable.
Residents of Murphy Canyon, including many military families, were left in shock. “It sounded like an earthquake, but then we saw flames coming from just two houses down,” said Kendall Fortner, a local resident and witness.
✈️ The Victims: Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams
Among those tragically lost was Dave Shapiro, an icon in the live music world and co-founder of Sound Talent Group, a booking agency that represented a long list of successful rock, punk, and metal artists. Shapiro, often dubbed the “invisible engine behind the rise of alternative music,” played a key role in shaping the careers of countless artists.
Shapiro had close ties with bands like Pierce The Veil and The Devil Wears Prada. His ability to connect bands to major tours, festivals, and global audiences made him a cornerstone of the music touring industry.
Also on board was Daniel Williams, former drummer of The Devil Wears Prada, often recognized for his aggressive yet dynamic drumming style that helped define the band’s early albums. After parting ways with TDWP, Williams had remained active in music, with rumors swirling about a reunion project involving other past band members. His unexpected death has sent shockwaves across the rock and metal communities.
Both men were reportedly traveling together on the Cessna 550 for a music-related business meeting in Los Angeles when the crash occurred shortly after takeoff from San Diego.
🛩️ What Is the Cessna 550?
The Cessna 550 Citation II is a small business jet that can accommodate up to 10 people. Known for its reliability and popularity among corporate travelers, the aircraft type has had a generally strong safety record. However, experts note that older jets of this model — particularly those in operation for more than two decades — can pose maintenance challenges if not rigorously serviced.
According to preliminary reports from the FAA and NTSB, this particular jet had logged thousands of flight hours and may have experienced mechanical issues during takeoff.
🌍 The Scene: Murphy Canyon and Tierrasanta
The crash site lies within the Murphy Canyon community, adjacent to Tierrasanta, known for its proximity to military housing and its family-oriented neighborhoods. Located just northeast of central San Diego, the area is under frequent flight paths for small aircraft flying out of Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport.
While San Diego has seen small plane crashes in the past, this incident ranks among the most tragic in recent memory — not only because of the destruction caused but also because of the notable victims.
Neighbors describe the chaos that ensued: children evacuated from homes, gas lines being shut down, and roads blocked by emergency services. A “DO NOT CROSS” fire line has been established around the perimeter, with local authorities urging residents to avoid the area.
🎸 Impact on the Music Industry
The music world is mourning. Across social media, tributes have poured in from bands, fans, and agencies.
- “Absolutely gutted by the loss of Dave Shapiro. The man believed in us before anyone else did. RIP, legend.” — Pierce The Veil, on Instagram
- “Danny was not just a drummer — he was a brother to all of us. A piece of TDWP history is gone forever.” — Mike Hranica, TDWP vocalist
- “This is one of the darkest days for Sound Talent Group. Dave was our compass. Our heart.” — STG official statement
🧾 Investigation Underway
The NTSB has begun a full investigation into the crash, with a preliminary report expected in the next 7 days. Data from the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR), if available, will be crucial in determining the cause.
Authorities are also working to notify the next of kin and conduct forensic identification of the victims. So far, no passengers have been confirmed survivors.
🏘️ Housing Damage and Displacement
While there were no residential casualties reported, at least four homes sustained significant damage due to fire and debris. The City of San Diego has offered temporary housing to those affected, with emergency relief coordinated by local shelters and the Red Cross.
💬 Community Reaction
Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram have seen hashtags such as:
- #DaveShapiro
- #TDWP
- #PlaneCrashSanDiego
- #MurphyCanyonCrash
- #DanielWilliamsDrummer
All trending as users share condolences, footage from the crash site, and fan art in memory of the victims.
✈️ A Somber Reminder
This incident is a stark reminder of how unpredictable air travel — even in corporate jets — can be. For the fans, friends, and families of those lost, the pain is deep and personal. But for the San Diego community and the music world at large, this is a collective moment of grief.
We will continue updating this story as more details become available. A memorial is already being planned by fans near the Murphy Canyon crash site, and Sound Talent Group has announced it will host a tribute concert in honor of Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams in Los Angeles later this month.