The rock and metal music community is in mourning following a devastating private jet crash in San Diego, California, in the early hours of Thursday, May 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of all aboard, including Daniel Williams, former drummer for The Devil Wears Prada, and Dave Shapiro, talent agent and co-founder of Sound Talent Group (STG). Williams was 39, and Shapiro was 42. Two other STG employees were also reportedly among the victims.
The incident occurred around 3:47 a.m. local time when a Cessna 550 private jet, en route from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego, crashed into the residential Tierrasanta neighborhood, close to its intended destination. The aircraft, registered to Daviator LLC, managed by Dave Shapiro (who was also a certified flight instructor), reportedly struck multiple homes and vehicles, igniting fires and spilling jet fuel, which prompted evacuations. Remarkably, no fatalities were reported among residents on the ground.
Daniel Williams, who played drums for The Devil Wears Prada from their inception in 2005 until 2016, had documented his journey on the flight via Instagram stories late Wednesday night. He shared photos from the runway and from inside the cockpit, including one where he lightheartedly joked he was the “co-pilot now”—a poignant final post. After leaving The Devil Wears Prada, Williams, who lived in San Diego, reportedly became a software engineer. He had previously survived the 2019 mass sh*oting in Dayton, Ohio, while at the Ned Peppers bar.
His former bandmates in The Devil Wears Prada shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, posting photos of Williams with the simple, powerful message: “No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.”
Dave Shapiro was a highly respected figure in the music industry, having co-founded Sound Talent Group with Tim Borror and Matt Andersen after stints at The Agency Group and United Talent Agency. STG boasts an extensive roster of over 400 artists, including prominent bands like Lamb Of God, Pierce The Veil, I Prevail, Sum 41, Killswitch Engage, and GWAR. Shapiro also owned Velocity Aviation, where he served as a flight instructor.
Sound Talent Group released a somber statement confirming the loss: “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.”
News of the crash and the identities of those lost sent immediate shockwaves through the music world, with many artists and industry professionals taking to social media to express their grief.
Vinny Mauro, drummer for Motionless In White, posted: “Hug your friends, cherish your time, and let them know you love them because you never know when the last chance will be. So cliche, but I’m sick to my stomach. I’ll see you again someday, my friend.”
Tyler Smith, vocalist for The Word Alive, echoed the pain: “Losing not one but multiple longtime friends at once is f**king hell. This week is brutal. Sending all my love as news spreads, tell your friends you love them.”
