Tragedy in San Diego: Plane Crash Claims Lives of Music Industry Figures Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams
SAN DIEGO, CA – In a heartbreaking event that has shaken both the San Diego community and the broader music world, a devastating plane crash early Thursday morning claimed the lives of two individuals, including esteemed music industry veteran Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams, former drummer of the popular metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada. The crash occurred at approximately 3:45 a.m. on May 22, 2025, in the densely populated Murphy Canyon neighborhood of San Diego.
A Catastrophic Descent
The aircraft, a Cessna 550 Citation II, had departed from Colonel James Jabara Airport in Wichita, Kansas, and was en route to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego. According to aviation tracking data from FlightAware, the plane was on final approach when it encountered dense fog and low visibility, believed to be contributing factors in the crash. The aircraft went down in a residential zone near Sculpin Street and Santo Road, igniting a massive fire and causing significant damage to homes and vehicles in the vicinity.
The Scene: A Trail of Destruction
Assistant Chief Dan Eddy of San Diego Fire-Rescue described a chaotic and harrowing scene during a press conference. “There was a direct hit to multiple homes,” he said. “Jet fuel ran down the street, engulfing every single car on both sides in flames. We have a massive debris field and widespread fire damage.”
The explosion and ensuing fires were so intense that residents were forced to flee their homes in the early hours of the morning. Firefighters and emergency responders quickly mobilized, establishing a triage and evacuation center at Miller Elementary School, where victims received care and families were reunited.
Lives Lost, Lives Disrupted
Two occupants of the plane—Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams—were tragically killed in the crash. Both men were well known and deeply respected within the music industry.
- Dave Shapiro was a renowned music agent and manager who helped shape the careers of many rock and metal acts. His influence extended across decades, known for his commitment to artists and tireless efforts behind the scenes. His loss leaves a deep void in the music community.
- Daniel Williams, formerly of The Devil Wears Prada, had made a significant mark as a drummer known for his skill, passion, and presence in the metalcore scene. Fans and former bandmates alike have expressed their devastation at the loss.
Miraculously, there were no reported fatalities among residents on the ground, although eight people sustained injuries. One individual was hospitalized after leaping from a window to escape the fire, and five members of a single family were treated for smoke inhalation. Others sustained minor injuries as they fled the area amid burning debris and rapidly spreading flames.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a full investigation into the crash. Officials are focusing on weather conditions, mechanical factors, and pilot communications to determine what led to the tragic descent. The Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct autopsies to formally identify the victims and assess the cause of death.
An Outpouring of Grief and Support
As news of the crash spread, tributes poured in across social media and within the music community. Artists, colleagues, and fans remembered Shapiro and Williams not only for their professional achievements but for their kindness, humility, and passion for music.
“Dave was the kind of person who made you feel like you mattered,” one artist wrote. “The entire scene owes him more than it can ever repay.”
Similarly, Williams was remembered by his former bandmates as “a brother in music and in life,” and “a heart bigger than any stage he ever performed on.”
A Community Rebuilds
In Murphy Canyon, residents are beginning to pick up the pieces—literally and emotionally. Emergency crews continue to clear debris and assess the stability of damaged homes. The Red Cross and local organizations have mobilized to provide shelter and resources for displaced families.
Final Thoughts
The San Diego plane crash is a stark reminder of life’s fragility and the unpredictable nature of tragedy. As the community mourns the lives lost and celebrates the lives saved, there is a collective call for unity, remembrance, and support.
Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams will be remembered not just for their contributions to music, but for the spirit with which they lived their lives. Their legacies will endure in the countless lives they touched, the stages they helped fill, and the hearts they continue to inspire.
May they rest in peace.
