Daniel Williams and Dave Shapiro Among Victims in Deadly San Diego Plane Crash
The music industry is reeling following the tragic deaths of Daniel Williams, former drummer for The Devil Wears Prada, and Dave Shapiro, founder of Sound Talent Group (STG), in a devastating plane crash that occurred early Thursday morning (May 22) in San Diego, California.
The small Cessna 550 aircraft, which departed from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey late Wednesday night, crashed in the Tierrasanta neighborhood around 3:47 a.m., striking multiple homes and vehicles before erupting in flames. No deaths were reported among those on the ground, but evacuations were prompted by the scale of the destruction and scattered jet fuel.
Williams, 39, had filmed himself aboard the flight and shared photos jokingly referring to himself as the “co-pilot now.” A San Diego resident, he left The Devil Wears Prada in 2016 and later became a software engineer. Just four years ago, he had survived the 2019 Dayton mass shooting that killed nine people.
The band responded with a heartbreaking message on social media:
“No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.”
The crash also claimed the life of Dave Shapiro, an industry heavyweight whose Sound Talent Group represents over 400 artists, including Lamb of God, Pierce the Veil, Killswitch Engage, Parkway Drive, and Ice Nine Kills. A seasoned veteran of talent agencies like The Agency Group and United Talent Agency, Shapiro co-founded STG in 2018 and also owned Velocity Aviation, where he served as a flight instructor.
STG released a 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.”
Shapiro and Williams had long-standing ties in the metalcore and rock community, both known for their deep passion for music, emerging talent, and innovation in an evolving live entertainment industry. The crash has sent shockwaves through that community, with tributes pouring in from bands, promoters, and fellow agents.
As investigations into the cause of the crash continue, the legacies of both men — as creators, connectors, and advocates for artists — are being remembered with profound respect and sorrow.
