The music industry is in mourning after Dave Shapiro, a respected agent and co-founder of Sound Talent Group, tragically died in a plane crash in San Diego. The crash, which occurred in a residential neighborhood, also claimed the lives of several others, including Daniel Williams, former drummer for The Devil Wears Prada. The accident has sent shockwaves through the music community, leaving many grappling with the sudden loss.

The incident occurred when a Cessna 550 aircraft crashed into a residential street in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood of San Diego at approximately 3:45 p.m. local time. According to federal officials, there were six people on board the plane, all of whom are presumed dead. The crash not only took lives but also caused significant property damage, destroying one home and damaging ten others, leading to evacuations in the area. The investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash that took the life of Dave Shapiro and the other victims.

Dave Shapiro was more than just an agent; he was a pivotal figure in the careers of many rock bands. As a co-founder of Sound Talent Group, he represented notable acts such as Sum 41, Story of the Year, and Pierce the Veil. Beyond his agency work, Shapiro was also an experienced pilot and certified flight instructor with 15 years of experience, operating Velocity Aviation. His passion for aviation was as strong as his dedication to the music industry.

Sound Talent Group released a statement expressing their profound grief: “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. Thank you so much for respecting their privacy at this time.” The loss is deeply felt by everyone at the agency and within the broader music community.

Among the other victims feared to be on board was Daniel Williams, the former drummer for The Devil Wears Prada. Williams had shared several Instagram stories in the hours leading up to the crash, showing him alongside Dave Shapiro in the co-pilot seat. The Devil Wears Prada posted a heartfelt tribute to Williams on Instagram, stating, “no words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.” His former bandmates and fans are mourning the loss of a talented musician.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the cause of the crash. Elliot Simpson, an investigator with the NTSB, revealed that the plane had departed from New Jersey on Wednesday night, making a refueling stop in Wichita, Kansas, before the crash. Preliminary findings suggest the plane may have struck two power lines just before crashing. The NTSB is meticulously collecting evidence, including aircraft fragments found near the power lines, to piece together the sequence of events. Assistant Fire Department Chief Dan Eddy described the scene as a devastating scattering of debris: “plane everywhere”.

The impact of the crash extended beyond the immediate loss of life, causing widespread disruption in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood. Approximately 100 residents were evacuated from their homes. While eight people on the ground sustained injuries, one required hospitalization. Local resident Christopher Moore recounted being awakened by a loud explosion and witnessing smoke, prompting his family to evacuate their home. Another resident, a marine living near the crash site, described hearing a “strange whistling wheezing noise” followed by a “boom and a shake in the house”.

The tragic plane crash in San Diego, claiming the lives of Dave Shapiro, Daniel Williams, and others, has left a deep scar on the music community and the local neighborhood. As the NTSB continues its investigation, more details are expected to surface, shedding light on the circumstances that led to this devastating event. The memories and contributions of Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams will be remembered. Updates will be provided as investigations continue to bring clarity to this tragic event.