Dave Shapiro music agent dies in san diego plane crash at 42
Dave Shapiro, music agent and owner of Sound Talent Group (STG), was among those killed in a fiery plane crash in San Diego, California, early Thursday morning (May 22). The 42-year-old and several others on board the 1985 Cessna Citation reportedly died in the accident around 4 a.m. in the Tierrasanta neighborhood. Officials confirmed there were no survivors. The identities of the other victims have not been released at the request of the company, which is notifying family members.
A spokesperson for Sound Talent Group expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. 'We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues and friends,' they said. '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.'
Beyond his music career, Shapiro was an avid pilot with over a decade of flying experience. He owned Velocity Aviation, a flight instruction business, and was known for his adventurous spirit. His aviation website highlighted his thrill-seeking lifestyle, including activities such as BASE jumping and aerobatic flying. At one point, the San Diego office of STG operated out of an airplane hangar alongside some of Shapiro's aircraft.
Professionally, Shapiro was a well-respected music agent who launched STG in 2018 with Tim Borror and Matt Andersen after successful tenures at the Agency Group and United Talent Agency. His roster included notable acts such as Sum 41, Pierce the Veil, I Prevail, and Eve 6. He also ran Velocity Records, supporting independent and alternative artists.
Shapiro was a lifelong supporter of independent music, especially punk, hard rock, and indie bands outside the mainstream. With the launch of STG, he helped pave the way for nearly a dozen independent agencies, leaving a lasting legacy in the music industry.
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Metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada has paid emotional tribute to their former drummer Daniel Williams, following his death in a tragic private jet crash alongside music agent Dave Shapiro. In an Instagram post featuring photos of Williams and Shapiro, the band wrote: '♥️ no words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.' Williams, 39, was part of the band's original 2005 lineup and remained a key member until 2016. Known for his energetic drumming and foundational role in shaping the band's early sound, his death has prompted a wave of mourning from fans and fellow musicians alike. The crash occurred early Thursday morning as a Cessna 550 aircraft, owned by Shapiro, attempted to land at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego. The plane had departed from New Jersey with a fuel stop in Kansas before it hit a power line in dense fog and crashed in a residential area, causing a massive fireball that destroyed homes and set vehicles alight. Williams had shared a final Instagram story showing himself in the cockpit, joking that he was the 'co-pilot now.' Shapiro, 42, was also a trained pilot and a respected music executive who co-founded Sound Talent Group. Two other agency employees also died in the crash. -Instagram. While no deaths were reported on the ground, eight people sustained injuries and multiple homes were damaged. Emergency crews evacuated residents as leaking jet fuel intensified the fire. Tributes to both men continue to pour in. The music community has honoured Shapiro for his industry impact, while fans of The Devil Wears Prada remember Williams for his musical legacy and vibrant spirit. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading an investigation into the crash's cause.
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Daniel Williams, former drummer of The Devil Wears Prada and music agent Dave Shapiro killed in private jet crash
A tragic plane crash in San Diego has claimed the lives of former The Devil Wears Prada drummer Daniel Williams and music agent Dave Shapiro. The crash occurred after Williams shared a photo of himself at the controls of the Cessna 550, which took off from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey on Wednesday night. Williams, 39, posted a final image to Instagram, joking about being the "co-pilot now" as he boarded the plane with Shapiro, who was also a pilot. The Cessna made a fueling stop in Wichita, Kansas, before continuing on its route to California. However, shortly before reaching its final destination, Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego, the plane crashed in a residential neighbourhood, igniting a massive fireball. Shapiro, who had been working as a music agent for several years and was also a pilot, had recently purchased the Cessna. His friend, music producer Ryan Bruce, paid tribute, calling Shapiro a life-changer for the music community, while also remembering Williams for the impact he made through his music. The crash, which occurred at around 4 a.m. PT, also injured eight individuals on the ground. San Diego authorities confirmed that several homes were damaged or destroyed by debris, and residents were evacuated to a nearby school. San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl described the scene as "horrific," with debris scattered and fires still burning. Both Williams and Shapiro are being mourned by the music community, with tributes pouring in from across the industry. Shapiro's contribution to the network of bands he supported will not be forgotten, while Williams is remembered for his legacy with The Devil Wears Prada. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with the National Transportation Safety Board leading the inquiry.
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Dave Shapiro music agent dies in san diego plane crash at 42
Dave Shapiro, music agent and owner of Sound Talent Group (STG), was among those killed in a fiery plane crash in San Diego, California, early Thursday morning (May 22). The 42-year-old and several others on board the 1985 Cessna Citation reportedly died in the accident around 4 a.m. in the Tierrasanta neighborhood. Officials confirmed there were no survivors. The identities of the other victims have not been released at the request of the company, which is notifying family members. A spokesperson for Sound Talent Group expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. 'We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues and friends,' they said. '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.' Beyond his music career, Shapiro was an avid pilot with over a decade of flying experience. He owned Velocity Aviation, a flight instruction business, and was known for his adventurous spirit. His aviation website highlighted his thrill-seeking lifestyle, including activities such as BASE jumping and aerobatic flying. At one point, the San Diego office of STG operated out of an airplane hangar alongside some of Shapiro's aircraft. Professionally, Shapiro was a well-respected music agent who launched STG in 2018 with Tim Borror and Matt Andersen after successful tenures at the Agency Group and United Talent Agency. His roster included notable acts such as Sum 41, Pierce the Veil, I Prevail, and Eve 6. He also ran Velocity Records, supporting independent and alternative artists. Shapiro was a lifelong supporter of independent music, especially punk, hard rock, and indie bands outside the mainstream. With the launch of STG, he helped pave the way for nearly a dozen independent agencies, leaving a lasting legacy in the music industry.
