A small plane crash occurred early Thursday morning in San Diego’s Murphy Canyon neighbourhood. It claims the lives of six people, including notable music figures Daniel Williams and Dave Shapiro. The private jet lost an engine around 3:45 a.m. and crashed into a residential area, igniting fires in approximately 15 homes and several vehicles.
Daniel Williams, 39, was the former drummer for the metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada. He was a founding member of the band and played a key role in shaping its sound from 2005 until his departure in 2016.
Williams was known for his dynamic drumming and commitment to the band’s Christian metalcore roots. Just hours before the crash, he posted an Instagram story from the cockpit, jokingly saying, “I’m the co-pilot now.”
Dave Shapiro, 42, was a co-founder of Souns Talent Group (STG) and a prominent music agent in the heavy metal and hard rock scenes. He worked with famous bands such as Sum 41, Pierce the Veil, and I Prevail.
Shapiro was also a licensed pilot and reportedly owned the crashed aircraft. STG confirmed that three of their employees, including Shapiro, were on board the flight.
The Cessna Citation II plane took off late Wednesday night from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, stopped to refuel in Wichita, Kansas, and was headed to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego. The crash happened in foggy conditions, with limited visibility near the airport.
The crash caused extensive damage to the Murphy Canyon neighbourhood, known for Navy housing. Fires engulfed several homes and cars, forcing evacuations across multiple blocks.
Some residents suffered injuries, mainly from smoke inhalation, and were hospitalised. Fire officials described the area’s massive debris field and widespread jet fuel contamination.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
While the FAA has not yet confirmed the total number of casualties, the victims are believed to be all six people on board.
Sound Talent Group expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Shapiro and their colleagues. “We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues, and friends,” the agency said in a statement. They asked for privacy for the families affected by the tragedy.
The Devil Wears Prada also paid tribute to Daniel Williams on social media, posting a picture of him at his drum set with the caption: “No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.”
Williams had survived a previous traumatic event in 2019, when he was present during a mass shooting at a bar in Ohio. He has publicly shared his shock and heartbreak from that incident.
This tragic accident has deeply affected the music community and the residents of San Diego. Rescue and firefighting efforts continue as authorities work to ensure the safety of the neighbourhood and investigate the cause of the crash.