Music Agent Dave Shapiro Among 6 Killed in San Diego Private Jet Crash: Tragic Details Emerge

Famous music executive Dave Shapiro plane crash was one of six people killed in a tragic plane disaster that occurred in San Diego’s Murphy Canyon neighbourhood on May 22, 2025. At approximately 3:45 a.m. local time, Shapiro’s Cessna 550 Citation II crashed as it approached Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. Before crashing into a residential neighbourhood, the plane struck high-tension power wires, causing fires that destroyed at least 15 homes and forced about 100 occupants to evacuate.

Remembering Dave Shapiro Plane Crash

The 42-year-old Dave Shapiro plane crash,  Shapiro was well-known in the alternative music community. He started out as the drummer for the pop-punk group Count the Stars after being born in Albany, New York. After moving from performing to managing, Shapiro co-founded Sound Talent Group, which represents well-known performers like Pierce the Veil, Parkway Drive, and Sum 41. In keeping with his love of music and flying, he also founded Velocity Records and Velocity Aviation.

Dave Shapiro plane crash, Shapiro was a skilled pilot with several credentials, including Certified Flight Instructor and Airline Transport Pilot ratings. His business, Velocity Aviation, which provided a range of flight services, demonstrated his commitment to aviation.

The jet struck high-tension power lines and crashed into the Murphy Canyon neighborhood, igniting fires that damaged at least 15 homes and led to the evacuation of approximately 100 residents. Remarkably, there were no fatalities on the ground, though eight people were treated for smoke inhalation.

The Crash and Its Circumstances

Before continuing on to San Diego, the doomed flight made a stop in Wichita, Kansas, after taking off from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. The plane ran into heavy fog and limited visibility as it got closer to its destination. A power surge at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport apparently rendered the runway lights and weather alert systems inoperable, adding to the dangerous circumstances.

The pilot did not report any problems or declare an emergency even though they were aware of the bad weather. The crash is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is looking into environmental factors, aircraft maintenance, and pilot credentials. A final report is likely within a year or two, with a preliminary study expected in the upcoming weeks.

Dave Shapiro plane crash: Shapiro was a passionate aviator, holding an airline transport pilot rating—the highest level of certification issued by the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States. He often combined his love for music and flying, even opening an office for his talent agency at a hangar in San Diego

Other Victims

All six individuals aboard the plane perished:

• Dave Shapiro, 42, co-founder of Sound Talent Group and an experienced pilot.
• Emma L. Huke, 25, booking associate at Sound Talent Group.
• Kendall Fortner, 24, booking associate at Sound Talent Group.
• Daniel Williams, former drummer of the metal band The Devil Wears Prada.
• Celina Marie Rose Kenyon, 36, photographer and mother.
• Dominic Christopher Damian, friend of the other passengers.

Community Impact

At least ten homes were damaged, and eight individuals on the ground were injured in addition to the dead. Approximately 100 locals had to be evacuated when the incident caused fires.

Tributes and Legacy

The crash is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is concentrating on elements like environmental conditions, aircraft maintenance, and pilot credentials. A final report is likely within a year or two, with a preliminary study expected in the upcoming weeks.

The music business has been inundated with tributes to Dave Shapiro and the other victims. Both as a singer and a talent agent, Shapiro has made a lasting impact on the music industry. Colleagues, friends, and fans will all remember his love of flying and commitment to his craft.

The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the significance of aviation safety and the deep effect of those we have lost, even while investigations continue.