Rocker and Music Exec Killed in San Diego Plane Crash

A devastating plane crash in a San Diego neighborhood has claimed the lives of six people, including former The Devil Wears Prada drummer Daniel Williams and influential music executive Dave Shapiro. The crash happened early Thursday morning when their private jet went down in a military housing area near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, setting homes and vehicles ablaze.

Williams, known for his high-energy performances with the metalcore band, had just posted a final Instagram story before boarding the doomed flight with Shapiro. The band paid tribute on social media, writing simply, “No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.”

Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group and a well-known figure in the rock and metal scenes, was also killed. The FAA confirmed he held a pilot’s license and owned the aircraft. Sound Talent Group released a heartfelt statement saying, “We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues and friends. Our hearts go out to their families and to everyone impacted by today’s tragedy.”

Tributes poured in from across the music world. Sum 41 frontman Deryck Whibley credited Shapiro with reviving the band’s career during a difficult time, calling him someone “whose opinion mattered so much.” Nate Blasdell, formerly of I Set My Friends on Fire, said Shapiro was “the best in the game.”

Shapiro helped launch the careers of countless alternative and heavy rock artists, including Pierce the Veil, Parkway Drive, and Sum 41. He was also a co-founder of the National Independent Talent Organization and once landed on Billboard’s “30 Under 30” list. Outside of music, he pursued his love of flying by running a flight school in San Diego and Homer, Alaska.

The jet, a Cessna 550 Citation, departed from Teterboro, New Jersey, with a stop in Wichita, Kansas. It crashed around 3:45 a.m. in Murphy Canyon, causing a massive explosion and fire that injured eight local residents. Authorities say all six people on board died. Witnesses described a nightmarish scene, with flames engulfing homes and jet fuel flowing down the street.

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl described the crash site as “pretty horrific,” while residents recalled being jolted awake by the blast.

Officials are still investigating the cause of the crash.