Ex-Christian Metal Drummer, 39, Dead in Plane Crash, Family Confirms
, the former drummer of Christian metalcore band the Devil Wears Prada, was among those killed in a plane crash early Thursday, May 22 morning in San Diego, his father confirmed.
Larry Williams told TMZthat his son, 39, was among the victims in the plane crash that occurred about 4 a.m. and resulted in a fire in a residential neighborhood with U.S. Navy-owned houses. Elliot Simpson with the National Transportation Safety Board said that the plane hit power lines before crashing into houses, according to AP.
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Daniel Williams' former band also confirmed his death with a post on Instagram featuring photos of the musician along with the caption, '♥️ no words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.'
Before the plane took off, Williams shared some photos of the plane in his Instagram Story.
Williams left the band in 2016 to pursue a career in software engineering.
Also killed in the plane crash was Dave Shapiro, co-founder of the music agency Sound Talent and two of the company's employees. It's not known if Williams was one of those employees. According to the FAA, six people were onboard the plane when it crashed and all are presumed dead.'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,' the agency said in a statement, per AP.
The plane took off from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey and made a stop in Wichita, Kansas en route to San Diego.
Friends of Williams posted tributes to the drummer on Instagram.
'I hope in some way you can sense all the love coming your way as has always been the case. You were ALWAYS a great time and I loved coming up in the scene at the same time as you. I hope to wake up to hear that they got the names wrong and that you are still very much here. I'm grateful that I got to know you and to call you a friend. Rest in peace, love you man 🙏🏼,' wrote the band We the Kings.
'I can't believe you're gone. I remember the first time seeing you guys at Summerfest 2010 and I still have your drumstick from warped tour 2011. I'm glad I got to meet you. I'm so sorry and my heart goes out to all of your family, friends, & loved ones. You will be missed brother.🖤,' posted another.
Ex-Christian Metal Drummer, 39, Dead in Plane Crash, Family Confirms first appeared on Parade on May 22, 2025
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