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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