In the early hours of May 22nd, a tragic plane crash occurred in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood of San Diego, California. A Cessna Citation II jet, en route from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey with a stopover in Wichita, Kansas, crashed into a residential area near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. All six individuals on board perished, including prominent music agent Dave Shapiro and former drummer Daniel Williams of the band The Devil Wears Prada.

The Victims

Dave Shapiro, aged 42, was a co-founder of Sound Talent Group, a music agency representing artists such as Sum 41, Pierce The Veil, and Parkway Drive. An experienced pilot, Shapiro owned the aircraft through his company, Daviation LLC. He was known for his dedication to independent music and had previously co-founded the National Independent Talent Organization.

Daniel Williams, 39, was a founding member and former drummer of The Devil Wears Prada. He had transitioned to a career in software engineering, working at companies like GoPro and Apple. Shortly before the crash, Williams shared photos from the cockpit on social media, expressing excitement about the flight.

Three additional employees of Sound Talent Group were also on board and are presumed dead. Their identities have not been publicly disclosed.

The Crash

The aircraft crashed at approximately 3:45 a.m. local time, striking power lines and igniting a massive fire that destroyed ten homes and damaged several vehicles. Despite the extensive damage, there were no fatalities on the ground. Eight residents sustained injuries, with one person hospitalized.

Weather conditions at the time included dense fog, with visibility reduced to approximately half a mile. The pilot’s final communication with air traffic control indicated uncertainty about the weather, stating, “Alright. Doesn’t sound great… But we’ll give it a go.”

Investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the crash. The aircraft’s black box has not yet been recovered. Preliminary reports suggest that weather conditions and potential pilot error may have contributed to the accident.

Community Impact

The crash prompted the evacuation of approximately 100 residents from the affected neighborhood. Emergency responders worked swiftly to contain the fires and assist those injured. Local officials described the scene as devastating, with one stating, “I can’t quite put words to describe what the scene looks like, but with the jet fuel going down the street, and everything on fire all at once, it was pretty horrific to see.”

Legacy

Dave Shapiro’s contributions to the music industry were significant, with many artists and colleagues expressing their condolences and sharing memories of his dedication and passion. Daniel Williams was remembered by his former bandmates and fans for his talent and the impact he had on the music community.

For more stories and insights, visit It’s On

Instagram:@itson.ie

TikTok videos and information:@itson.ie