The early hours of Thursday morning in San Diego were marked by a tragic event that shook both the local community and the wider music and aviation worlds. A small Cessna 550 crashed violently into the Murphy Canyon neighborhood at approximately 3:47 a.m., causing a fiery explosion that engulfed cars and homes, injuring eight people on the ground and claiming the lives of all six people aboard.
Among the deceased were two notable figures: Dave Shapiro, a well-known music agent and aviation enthusiast, and Daniel Williams, former drummer of the metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada. Their deaths have sent ripples through their respective communities and left many mourning the loss of these passionate, adventurous individuals.
The Life and Legacy of Dave Shapiro
Dave Shapiro’s life was a vibrant blend of music and aviation — two passions he pursued with unwavering dedication. As co-founder of Sound Talent Group, Shapiro was a staunch advocate for independent musicians and a key player in the alternative music scene.
His work helped shine a spotlight on numerous artists, giving many the platform to reach wider audiences. The agency represented well-known names such as Hanson, Vanessa Carlton, and Sum 41, and Shapiro was instrumental in fostering the growth of independent talent agencies in the music industry.
Shapiro was recognized early on for his influence, making Billboard’s “30 Under 30” list in 2012, a testament to his rising star status in entertainment. His colleagues remember him as a “daredevil” with a boundless enthusiasm for life — someone who didn’t just clock in for a paycheck but truly loved what he did. He often spoke about finding joy and purpose in work, emphasizing that passion was what made a career worthwhile.
But beyond the music industry, Shapiro was also a seasoned pilot with over a decade of flying experience. He was deeply devoted to aviation, founding Velocity Aviation, a flight school, and Velocity Records, merging his two loves.
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His website and social media profiles reflected his aerial adventures — from aerobatic flying to base jumping, he embraced every thrill the sky could offer. In a 2020 podcast, he described flying as a way to focus and momentarily escape the distractions and stresses of daily life.
A private jet carrying a music talent agent and five others hit a power line in foggy weather early Thursday and crashed into a San Diego neighbourhood, slamming into a home and killing multiple people on the flight.
— Deccan Chronicle (@DeccanChronicle) May 23, 2025
(Visuals courtesy : X)#SanDiego #PlaneCrash pic.twitter.com/ebQ7NoJ7uD
Shapiro’s adventurous spirit extended to his personal life as well. He married Julia Pawlik Shapiro in 2016 in a uniquely adventurous ceremony on a glacier in Alaska, a reflection of their shared love for unconventional experiences and exploration. They split their time between homes in San Diego and Homer, Alaska, where Shapiro also offered flight lessons.
His sudden death leaves a void in both the music and aviation worlds, where he was known for his generosity, passion, and trailblazing spirit.
Remembering Daniel Williams, Drummer of The Devil Wears Prada
Daniel Williams was the former drummer for the metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada and one of the victims of the tragic crash. His family confirmed his passing, while the band shared a heartfelt tribute on their official Instagram page, posting, “No words.
We owe you everything. Love you forever.” Williams’ father, Larry Williams, expressed his certainty that his son was on the plane but was still awaiting official confirmation from authorities.
Williams was known to fans as a talented and humble musician who made a lasting impact on the metalcore scene. His drumming on The Devil Wears Prada’s 2007 album Plagues is often cited as inspiring by fellow musicians and fans alike.
Many shared their memories and admiration on social media, describing him as an “inspiration” and a “great guy” who always took time to connect with fans. His dedication to music and his humble nature earned him lasting respect in the metal community.
In the hours before the crash, Williams had posted a photo from the copilot’s seat of the plane with the caption “Hey … look at me … I’m the (co) pilot now.” Despite the caption, his father revealed that Daniel did not have a pilot’s license. This tragic irony underscores the sudden and unforeseen nature of the accident.
The loss of Williams is deeply felt not only by his family and friends but by an entire generation of metal fans who grew up inspired by his talent and spirit.
The Devastating Crash and Its Aftermath
The crash occurred in the quiet Murphy Canyon neighborhood just before dawn, bringing sudden chaos and destruction. The small Cessna 550 plummeted into the residential area, igniting several vehicles and homes and causing injuries to eight people on the ground. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, battling flames and rescuing survivors.
All six people aboard the plane perished, including Shapiro, Williams, and two employees of Sound Talent Group. The other two victims have not yet been identified publicly but are presumed dead. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, but no official details have been released regarding what might have led to the plane’s sudden and deadly descent.
The community remains in shock over the tragedy, grappling with the loss of lives and the physical damage caused. The fiery crash not only took the lives of those on board but left families displaced and neighbors shaken.
The music industry mourns the loss of two beloved figures who contributed so much to their respective fields, while aviation enthusiasts reflect on the dangers inherent in the passion that Dave Shapiro so loved.
As investigators work to piece together the events that led to this heartbreaking accident, friends, family, and fans continue to honor the memory of Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams — two adventurous souls whose lives were tragically cut short in the skies above San Diego.