Music talent agent among dead after jet crashes into San Diego neighborhood

A private jet carrying music industry professionals, including renowned talent agent Dave Shapiro, crashed into a residential neighborhood in San Diego early Thursday, killing all six people on board and setting off a firestorm that destroyed a home, scorched vehicles.

The jet, a 1985 Cessna 550 Citation, clipped a power line in thick fog around 4 a.m., igniting a massive blaze in Murphy Canyon, the country’s largest Navy-owned housing community. The aircraft was attempting to land at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport when it crashed roughly two miles southeast of the runway.

“It was pretty horrific to see,” said San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl, describing scenes of jet fuel streaming down the streets, vehicles ablaze, and a towering wall of fire. Though no fatalities occurred on the ground, eight people were hospitalized for smoke inhalation and injuries, including one person hurt while escaping through a window.

The crash killed all six occupants of the aircraft, including Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group, and two of his colleagues. The agency, which has represented notable acts such as Hanson, Vanessa Carlton, and Sum 41, confirmed the losses in a public 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.”

Also presumed dead is Daniel Williams, former drummer for metal band The Devil Wears Prada, who posted on social media hours before the flight that he was traveling with Shapiro. The band confirmed his death in a heartfelt tribute: “No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.”

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began combing the scene Thursday, with parts of the jet found scattered across multiple blocks—including under power lines and on rooftops.

The home directly hit was obliterated, its roof partially collapsed and front walls consumed by flames. Navy servicemember Ben McCarty, his wife, and their children escaped only with the help of neighbors after both of their vehicles were engulfed and flames blocked their front exit. “It put my truck into our living room,” McCarty said.

Other residents described being jolted awake by the blast. Ariya Waterworth, who fled with her two children and dog, said her yard was littered with debris and aircraft parts, and her car was “completely disintegrated.” The street remained drenched in jet fuel hours after the impact, with smoke and fumes lingering into the afternoon.

The flight had departed Teterboro Airport in New Jersey around 11:15 p.m. Wednesday, made a fuel stop in Wichita, Kansas, and was nearing its final descent when the crash occurred. Audio logs captured the pilot reporting being three miles out and on final approach just minutes before the accident.

Aviation experts say the plane was likely operating under instrument flight rules (IFR) due to the dense fog. However, conditions required the pilot to visually confirm the runway at 673 feet altitude—if unable, the pilot should have initiated a missed approach or diverted.

The NTSB will remain at the crash site through Friday gathering evidence. Officials have called for any witness video or information to aid the investigation.

This crash is San Diego’s third deadly aircraft incident in recent years, following a 2021 twin-engine crash that killed two and a 2008 Marine Corps jet crash that killed four. Each has raised renewed concerns about air traffic safety in densely populated urban zones.

As investigators work to piece together what caused Thursday’s tragedy, the music industry and San Diego community alike are mourning the profound loss of life and reflecting on a disaster that could have been even worse.