On May 22, 2025, a devastating plane crash in San Diego's Murphy Canyon neighborhood claimed the lives of six individuals, including Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group, and Daniel Williams, former drummer of The Devil Wears Prada.
Dave Shapiro: A Visionary in the Music Industry
Dave Shapiro, 42, was a prominent figure in the music industry, known for his dedication to promoting independent artists. Before co-founding Sound Talent Group in 2018, he worked with United Talent Agency and The Agency Group. His agency represented notable acts such as Sum 41, Pierce The Veil, and Parkway Drive. Shapiro was also a co-founder of the National Independent Talent Organization (NITO), advocating for the rights of independent talent. An avid aviator, he owned a flight school in San Diego and often piloted flights himself.
Daniel Williams: From Drummer to Tech Professional
Daniel Williams, 39, was a founding member and drummer of the metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada from 2005 until his departure in 2016. After leaving the band, he transitioned into the tech industry, working as a senior software architect at GoPro for nearly eight years before recently joining Apple. Williams shared images from inside the cockpit of the ill-fated flight on social media hours before the crash.
Details of the Crash
The aircraft, a 1985 Cessna 550 Citation II owned by Shapiro, departed from Teterboro, New Jersey, with a stop in Wichita, Kansas, before heading to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego. At approximately 3:45 a.m., the plane crashed into the Murphy Canyon neighborhood amid dense fog, striking power lines and igniting a fire that damaged multiple homes and vehicles. Eight people on the ground sustained minor injuries, and over 100 residents were evacuated.
Industry Mourns the Loss
The music community has expressed profound grief over the loss of Shapiro and Williams. Sound Talent Group released a statement mourning the death of their co-founder and colleagues. The Devil Wears Prada paid tribute to Williams on social media, acknowledging his contributions to the band.
Investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash. The tragedy has left an indelible mark on the music industry, highlighting the significant contributions of both Shapiro and Williams.
