San Diego Plane Crash Today: Music Industry Mourns Loss of Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams
San Diego, CA – A devastating plane crash in San
Diego early Thursday morning has claimed the lives of six individuals,
including prominent music agent Dave Shapiro and former The Devil
Wears Prada (TDWP) drummer Daniel Williams. The Cessna 550,
a small private jet, crashed into a residential neighborhood near Murphy
Canyon at approximately 3:45 a.m. on May 22, 2025, sparking fires
and causing significant destruction.
Plane Crash : Cessna 550 Crash Down in Murphy Canyon
The Cessna Citation II (Cessna 550), owned by Shapiro
himself, was on approach to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport after a
cross-country flight originating from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey,
with a stop in Wichita, Kansas. I believed that the dense fog and limited
visibility that day may have been a factor in the crash a heartbreaking event
that has shaken the entire community. The plane hit power lines before crashing
into a peaceful neighborhood near Tierrasanta, within the Murphy Canyon
military housing community — turning an ordinary day into one of heartbreak and
loss.
Who were the people affected?
Among those confirmed deceased:
At 42, Dave Shapiro had co-founded Sound Talent Group, a well-regarded music agency known for representing some of the biggest names in rock and metal. Shapiro was well respected in the touring world and had strong connections with bands like The Devil Wears Prada.
- The
unexpected death of Daniel Williams, 39, who best known as the drummer for
the metalcore band "The Devil Wears Prada has left fans and musicians
heartbroken, with many expressing their sorrow and tributes online.
The identities of the other passengers have not been publicly disclosed, pending notification of their families.
Eyewitness Accounts and Emergency Response
Residents described the scene as apocalyptic. “It felt like a bomb went off,” said a local Murphy Canyon resident. Flames engulfed parts of the block shortly after the jet crash. Emergency services were on the scene within minutes, working to contain fires and evacuate residents.
At least eight people on the ground were injured, including a family of five, who are currently being treated for smoke inhalation and minor burns.
Investigation Underway
The FAA and NTSB have launched a full investigation into the airplane crash San Diego. A comprehensive report is waiting.
Investigators will examine flight records, weather data, and the aircraft’s maintenance logs.
So far, early speculation points to poor visibility and possible pilot error, though no official cause has been determined.
Music Industry Reacts
The Devil Wears Prada also posted a heartfelt tribute on social media:
"No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever, brother."
San Diego Community Rallies Together
The plane crash in San Diego has deeply affected the Murphy Canyon and Tierrasanta people. Displaced families are being supported by emergency housing programs, and local residents are already organizing donation drives and support efforts.2222
San Diego, CA – May 22, 2025
Devastating Cessna 550 Crash in San Diego: Six Dead, Including Music Industry Figures
San Diego was rocked by a heartbreaking tragedy early Thursday morning when a Cessna 550 aircraft crashed into a residential area near Murphy Canyon at around 3:45 a.m. local time. The crash, which has left six people dead, included two prominent music industry figures—Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group (STG), and Daniel Williams, former drummer of the metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada (TDWP). The plane, which had been en route to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, collided with power lines before crashing into homes, igniting fires that destroyed several properties and injured at least eight people on the ground.
Quick Emergency Response Helps Limit Damage in Murphy Canyon
The plane crash in San Diego caused significant destruction in the Murphy Canyon area. The crash site was in close proximity to military housing, and the firefighters and paramedics were quick to respond. Several residential homes were destroyed or severely damaged in the crash, and multiple vehicles were impacted by the flames. Local authorities have confirmed that at least ten homes were damaged, and many residents were evacuated to safety.
The explosion from the jet fuel ignited fires, and authorities fear that the destruction could have been much worse had it not been for the swift response from local firefighters. In total, eight individuals on the ground were hospitalized with injuries, including a family of five that was treated for smoke inhalation and minor burns. Thankfully, no additional fatalities were reported from those on the ground.
Investigation and Possible Causes
After investigation the main cause assuned to be the foggy
atmosphere. However, there are still many questions to be answered about
whether the aircraft’s mechanical condition or the pilot’s decisions
contributed to the crash.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety
Board (NTSB) have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. The NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) sent the investigation team to collect the debris of cessna reference.
While early
speculations point to pilot error or weather conditions, the investigation will
focus on all possible factors, including the aircraft’s maintenance history,
the pilot’s flight records, and the specific weather conditions at the time of
the crash.
Preliminary reports are expected within the next two weeks, while a more
detailed analysis may take months to complete.