In the early hours of May 22, a private jet crashed into the Murphy Canyon neighborhood of San Diego, killing several people — including two high-profile figures in the music world — and destroying homes and vehicles on the ground.
The Cessna 550 Citation II had been approaching Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport around 3:45 a.m. when it struck power lines and plunged into a residential block. The impact sparked fires that engulfed multiple homes, sent eight people to the hospital, and forced the evacuation of nearly 100 residents.
Authorities have confirmed six fatalities on board with no survivors, and at least two victims now publicly identified. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Early reports suggest dense fog and limited visibility may have played a role during final approach.
Music Industry Mourns Loss of Daniel Williams and Dave Shapiro
Among those killed in the crash were:
Daniel Williams, 39
Best known as the former drummer for the Christian metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada, Williams was a key force behind the band’s rise in the early 2000s. After parting ways with the group in 2016, he pursued a second act in tech and design, recently announcing a new role at Apple. Hours before the crash, Williams had posted photos from inside the cockpit — a moment now frozen in time.
Fans and friends have described him as “passionate, creative, and fiercely loved by the underground music scene.”
Dave Shapiro, 42
Shapiro co-founded Sound Talent Group, an agency that represented major acts including Sum 41, Underoath, and Vanessa Carlton. He was a behind-the-scenes powerhouse — shaping tours, championing emerging artists, and working to redefine the role of agents in a post-pandemic music landscape.
He also owned the aircraft that crashed and was known to pilot privately. Shapiro’s unexpected death sent shockwaves through the industry.
Tributes Pour In: ‘The Kind of People Who Make Music Happen’
Since the crash, artists and colleagues have shared messages of grief, admiration, and respect for the two men’s contributions.
“Daniel made you feel the music in your chest — not just from his drums, but from how much he cared about the scene,” said one former bandmate.
“Dave never wanted the spotlight. He wanted to build the spotlight and put artists in it,” a former client shared. “He changed careers for a lot of people.”
On social media, hashtags like #RIPDanielWilliams and #ThankYouDave have emerged as fans post clips, memories, and concert photos.
A Neighborhood Left Reeling
Local residents described the crash as “a fireball out of nowhere.” First responders spent hours battling the blaze and clearing the wreckage. Officials say the jet fuel spill will require ongoing environmental cleanup, and displaced families are being assisted with temporary housing.
The FAA and NTSB continue to examine flight data and weather conditions at the time of impact.
Final Thoughts
The loss of Daniel Williams and Dave Shapiro is not just a blow to their families, but to a music industry that thrives on creativity, resilience, and connection. Their work lives on in songs, stories, and the careers they shaped — and their legacy now joins the long, aching chord of lives gone too soon.
