A Cessna 550 Citation II crashed into San Diego’s Murphy Canyon on May 22, 2025, killing six, including music agent Dave Shapiro and The Devil Wears Prada’s Daniel Williams. Dense fog and a fiery aftermath devastated the military housing community, injuring eight and displacing 100. As the NTSB investigates, questions of aviation safety loom. Discover the human toll, heroic response, and lasting impact on San Diego and the music industry in this gripping account.
In the pre-dawn haze of May 22, 2025, a Cessna 550 Citation II business jet plummeted into San Diego’s Murphy Canyon, a quiet military housing community, igniting a fiery catastrophe that claimed six lives and left a neighbourhood in ruins. The crash, occurring just minutes from Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, sent shockwaves through the city and the music industry, as it claimed prominent figures, including music agent Dave Shapiro and former The Devil Wears Prada drummer Daniel Williams. Dense fog, a massive debris field, and a swift emergency response painted a chaotic scene. As the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) probes the cause, the tragedy raises urgent questions about aviation safety, community resilience, and the ripple effects on those left behind. This is the story of a devastating crash and its far-reaching impact.
Key Details
- Who: Six passengers, including Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group, and Daniel Williams, former drummer for The Devil Wears Prada, perished. Eight residents were injured.
- What: A Cessna 550 Citation II crashed, striking power lines and homes, causing fires and widespread damage.
- When: Approximately 3:45 a.m. on May 22, 2025.
- Where: Murphy Canyon, a military housing neighbourhood near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego, California.
- Why: The cause remains under investigation, with dense fog and low visibility as potential factors.
The Crash: A Timeline of Chaos
The Cessna 550 Citation II, a twin-engine business jet, departed Teterboro Airport in New Jersey on the evening of May 21, 2025. After a refuelling stop at Colonel James Jabara Airport in Wichita, Kansas, it continued its journey to San Diego. Scheduled to land at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport at 3:47 a.m., the jet was finally approaching when disaster struck. At around 3:45 a.m., it clipped power lines two miles from the runway, according to NTSB investigator Elliot Simpson. Moments later, it crashed into the heart of Murphy Canyon, igniting a fireball that engulfed homes and vehicles. Jet fuel spilt down streets, fueling intense flames that lit up the foggy night.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl described the scene as “horrific,” with “jet fuel going down the street, and everything on fire all at once.” The airport’s control tower, closed overnight as is common for smaller airports, left the pilot navigating without direct guidance. Visibility was dire, dropping to a quarter of a mile near the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, just miles from the crash site, per the National Weather Service.
The Human Toll
All six passengers aboard the Cessna perished, with no survivors reported by the FAA. Among them was Dave Shapiro, 42, a music industry titan and Sound Talent Group’s co-founder, representing artists like Sum 41 and Pierce the Veil. Shapiro, an avid pilot and certified flight instructor since 2010, owned the jet through his Alaska-based company, Daviator LLC. It remains unclear whether he was piloting the aircraft. Daniel Williams, 39, a founding member of the metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada, was also killed. Williams had posted Instagram stories hours before, showing himself in the co-pilot seat beside Shapiro, with the flight number matching the doomed jet.
Two other Sound Talent Group employees were among the deceased, though their identities have not been disclosed. The agency issued a heartfelt statement: “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.” On the ground, eight residents suffered minor injuries, primarily from smoke inhalation or escaping damaged homes. One was hospitalized, while others were treated at an evacuation center at Hancock Elementary School.
Community Impact: A Neighborhood in Ruins
Murphy Canyon, one of the largest military housing communities in the U.S., became a scene of devastation. The crash damaged 10 to 15 homes, with one completely destroyed and others suffering severe fire and structural damage. A wing from the jet was found in the street, and debris scattered across a “gigantic” field, as described by Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy. Multiple vehicles were incinerated, and the smell of jet fuel lingered hours later. Approximately 100 residents, mostly military families, were evacuated, with some fleeing burning homes with the help of neighbors and firefighters.
Ariya Waterworth, a local resident, recounted waking to a fireball outside her window and escaping with her two children and dog. “It was chaos,” she told reporters. “The flames were everywhere, and the smoke was choking.” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria pledged support, stating, “These families are part of our city’s military community, and we will stand by them.” The Navy oversees the housing and is working to relocate displaced residents.
Emergency Response: Heroes in the Heat
Firefighters, police, and HAZMAT teams arrived within minutes, battling intense flames and hazardous jet fuel spills. Eddy praised the military families for their quick actions, noting, “They did a phenomenal job helping one another as firefighters arrived.” Over 50 police officers assisted in evacuating 100 residents, and roads like Sample Street and parts of Santo Road remained closed overnight due to debris and safety concerns. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department declared a HAZMAT situation, urging residents to report any jet fuel odors or debris to authorities.
Investigation: Searching for Answers
The NTSB and FAA are leading a comprehensive investigation. Preliminary findings suggest the jet, built in 1985, likely had a flight data recorder, though it has not yet been recovered. The absence of a mayday call and the pilot’s last communication—announcing a three-mile approach—indicate the crash may have been sudden. Dense fog, with visibility as low as 40-50 feet, is a key focus, as is the impact with power lines. Aviation attorney Barry Newman explained, “Under instrument flight rules, the pilot would have relied on instruments until about 673 feet. A missed approach was required if they couldn’t see the runway.” The NTSB’s preliminary report is expected within two weeks, with a final report in 12-18 months.
This isn’t San Diego’s first aviation tragedy. In 2021, a Cessna C340 crashed in Santee, killing two and damaging homes, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the region’s busy airspace. CNN aviation analyst David Soucie noted the Cessna 550’s reliability, stating, “These are among the most dependable aircraft, so this crash raises serious questions.” Weather, mechanical failure, or pilot error remain possible factors.
Music Industry Mourns: A Lasting Legacy
The loss of Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams has rocked the music world. Shapiro, a “daredevil” known for his passion for aviation and music, was a pivotal figure, having worked with major agencies before launching Sound Talent Group in 2018. His roster included punk, rock, and metal acts, earning him widespread respect. Nate Blasdell, a former musician turned agent, told the San Diego Union-Tribune, “Dave was the best in the game, helping bands like mine get off the ground.”
Broader Implications: Safety and Resilience
The crash underscores the risks of low-visibility landings at smaller airports, particularly without active control towers. San Diego’s foggy climate, combined with its dense urban and military communities, amplifies the stakes. The incident also highlights the resilience of military families, who rallied to save neighbors amidst chaos. As the NTSB investigates, calls for enhanced aviation safety measures, such as improved weather monitoring or stricter approach protocols, are likely to grow.
The music industry faces its own reckoning, losing key figures whose absence will reshape talent management and artist support. Sound Talent Group’s statement reflects the broader loss: “Thank you for respecting their privacy at this time.” The crash’s ripple effects will linger, from displaced families to grieving colleagues.
Conclusion: A Community and Industry in Recovery
The Murphy Canyon crash is a stark reminder of aviation’s unpredictability and the fragility of community. As investigators piece together the cause—be it fog, mechanical issues, or human factors—San Diego’s residents and the music world mourn. The bravery of first responders and neighbors offers a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy. Moving forward, the focus will be on supporting displaced families, honoring the legacies of Shapiro, Williams, and others, and ensuring such a disaster isn’t repeated. As the NTSB’s findings emerge, they will shape not only San Diego’s future but also the broader conversation on aviation safety in America’s skies.
