Dave Shapiro, Daniel Williams, and Two Unnamed Sound Talent Group Employees Killed in San Diego Plane Crash That Ignited Fires in Murphy Canyon Neighborhood
Dave Shapiro, Daniel Williams, and Two Unnamed Sound Talent Group Employees Killed in San Diego Plane Crash That Ignited Fires in Murphy Canyon Neighborhood
San Diego, CA – In the early hours of Thursday, May 22, 2025, a devastating plane crash in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood of San Diego claimed the lives of four individuals aboard the aircraft, including prominent music industry figures Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams. The crash resulted in widespread destruction, igniting fires that damaged multiple homes and vehicles, and led to the evacuation of approximately 100 residents.(The US Sun)
Victims Identified
The deceased have been identified as:
- Dave Shapiro, 42, co-founder of Sound Talent Group, a renowned music agency representing artists such as Sum 41 and Story of the Year. Shapiro was also a licensed pilot and owned the aircraft through his company, Daviation LLC.(New York Post)
- Daniel Williams, 39, former drummer for the metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada. Williams had shared a photo from the cockpit shortly before the crash, indicating his presence on the flight.(New York Post)
- Two unnamed employees of Sound Talent Group, whose identities have not been publicly disclosed pending notification of next of kin.
Incident Overview
The Cessna Citation II, tail number N666DS, departed from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, with a scheduled stopover in Wichita, Kansas, before heading to its final destination at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego. At approximately 3:45 a.m. local time, the aircraft crashed into the Murphy Canyon neighborhood, a residential area primarily housing military families. The crash occurred under dense fog conditions, with visibility reportedly reduced to 40–50 feet. Authorities believe the plane may have clipped a power line before impact, although the exact cause remains under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).(Wikipedia, ABC News, KCCI)
Aftermath and Community Impact
The crash ignited fires that destroyed one home and damaged at least 10 others, along with multiple vehicles. Jet fuel spread throughout the area, exacerbating the fires and complicating firefighting efforts. Approximately 100 residents were evacuated, and eight individuals sustained injuries, including five members of a single family hospitalized for smoke inhalation. Emergency responders, including over 50 police officers and HAZMAT teams, arrived promptly to assist with evacuations and fire suppression. By 7:37 a.m., all but one of the fires had been extinguished.(The US Sun, The Guardian, People.com, Wikipedia)
Tributes and Reactions
The music community has expressed profound grief over the loss of Shapiro and Williams. Sound Talent Group released a statement mourning the deaths of their co-founder and colleagues, highlighting their significant contributions to the industry. Fans and fellow musicians have taken to social media to share tributes and memories, underscoring the impact both men had on their peers and the broader music scene.(The Sun, KCCI)
Ongoing Investigation
The FAA and NTSB continue to investigate the crash, focusing on factors such as weather conditions, potential mechanical failures, and pilot communications. Preliminary reports indicate that no distress signals were sent before the crash, and the control tower at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport was closed at the time, which is standard during certain hours. Investigators are also examining whether the aircraft’s descent below the minimum descent altitude without visual confirmation of the runway contributed to the accident.(WSJ, The US Sun, KCCI)
Community Support and Resources
Local authorities have established temporary shelters for displaced residents and are coordinating with military housing officials to provide assistance. The Humane Society has been involved in rescuing pets from affected homes. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria has pledged full support for the impacted families, emphasizing the city’s commitment to aiding the military community during this tragedy.(ABC News)
Conclusion
The tragic loss of Dave Shapiro, Daniel Williams, and two other Sound Talent Group employees has sent shockwaves through the music industry and the San Diego community. As investigations continue, efforts are underway to support those affected and to honor the memories of the individuals who perished in this devastating incident.(New York Post)
