A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in the early hours of May 22, 2025, when a private jet crashed into a quiet residential neighborhood in San Diego, California, claiming the lives of six people—including Daniel Williams, the acclaimed former drummer of metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada, and Dave Shapiro, a highly respected music agent and co-founder of Sound Talent Group.
The aircraft, a Cessna Citation II, had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was approaching Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in dense coastal fog when it went down around 3:45 a.m. The jet crashed directly into the Murphy Canyon area, igniting a massive blaze that engulfed several homes and vehicles. Witnesses reported hearing what sounded like an explosion, followed by an orange fireball lighting up the sky.
Williams, 39, had made a name for himself in the music world as the driving force behind The Devil Wears Prada’s early success, helping shape the band’s aggressive yet melodic sound during its formative years. After stepping away from music, Williams transitioned into tech, building a second career as a talented software engineer. At the time of the crash, he had recently left GoPro to begin a new chapter at Apple. Just hours before the tragedy, Williams shared a series of photos from inside the cockpit on social media, expressing joy and excitement for the journey. One of his final captions read, “I’m the (co)pilot now,” a hauntingly poignant note in retrospect.
Dave Shapiro, another victim of the crash, was a giant in the music industry. As co-founder of Sound Talent Group and a longtime agent for some of rock and metal’s biggest acts, Shapiro was widely admired for his passion, loyalty, and vision. He was instrumental in helping emerging bands find their footing in an increasingly competitive industry and was credited with guiding countless artists from obscurity to stardom.
The crash destroyed or severely damaged at least 15 homes, left several cars incinerated, and caused injuries to eight residents on the ground. Over 100 people were evacuated from the area as firefighters battled the blaze and emergency crews worked to contain hazards from spilled jet fuel. Many families lost everything in the span of minutes, with some residents escaping barefoot into the streets as flames overtook their homes.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. According to initial reports, no distress signal was issued before the plane went down, and visibility was reportedly poor due to thick fog. Investigators will examine flight data, weather conditions, maintenance records, and pilot history to determine what led to the fatal incident.
Tributes have poured in from across the music world in the days following the crash. The Devil Wears Prada posted an emotional message honoring Williams, calling him “a brother and a brilliant musician who helped build the foundation of everything we are.” Fellow bands, fans, and colleagues remembered Williams not only for his talent but also for his kindness and humility. Similarly, the music industry mourned Shapiro as a beloved figure whose influence spanned decades. Artists he represented shared stories of his tireless advocacy, generosity, and belief in their potential.
As the investigation continues and the Murphy Canyon community begins the long process of healing and rebuilding, the legacies of Daniel Williams and Dave Shapiro live on. Their contributions to music and the lives they touched will not be forgotten. What began as an ordinary flight ended in an unspeakable loss that has shaken two industries and devastated countless families—but it has also brought people together in shared grief, reflection, and remembrance.