BREAKING Tragic Plane Crash in San Diego Involving Dave Shapiro

BREAKING Tragic Plane Crash in San Diego Involving Dave Shapiro

By JV Charles, Senior Editor at JV Political | Posted: May 23, 2025

I was sipping my morning coffee, scrolling through the news, when I saw it—a small plane crash in San Diego that stole the lives of six people, including Dave Shapiro, a giant in the music world. My heart sank. As a kid, I’d blast Sum 41 in my beat-up Chevy, dreaming of bigger things. To think the guy who helped those bands soar is gone? It’s gut-wrenching. Here at JV Political, we’re digging into this tragedy, not just because it’s news, but because it hits home for folks who value hard work, grit, and the American spirit—values President Trump’s always championed.

Key Takeaways

• A Devastating Crash: A Cessna 550 went down in San Diego’s Murphy Canyon, killing all six onboard, including music exec Dave Shapiro and likely Daniel Williams, ex-drummer of The Devil Wears Prada.
• Neighborhood Hit Hard: One home was obliterated, ten others damaged, and eight folks on the ground got hurt. Nearly 100 residents, mostly military families, were displaced.
• Shapiro’s Mark: Co-founder of Sound Talent Group, Shapiro shaped bands like Sum 41 and Pierce the Veil, building a legacy in independent music.
• What’s Next?: The NTSB’s on the case, eyeing foggy weather as a possible cause. Investigations could take months.
• Our Take: At JV Political, we see Shapiro’s hustle as the kind of drive Trump’s policies lift up—folks building something from nothing.

The San Diego Crash: What Went Down

Picture this: it’s 3:45 a.m., pitch dark, and a Cessna 550 Citation comes screaming out of the San Diego sky, crashing into the quiet Murphy Canyon neighborhood. The impact was like something out of a movie—flames, wreckage, cars and homes catching fire. The Independent said jet fuel spilled everywhere, making a bad situation worse. Six people on the plane, including Dave Shapiro, didn’t make it. On the ground, eight others were injured, and a whole community was left reeling.

I can’t imagine what those families felt, waking up to chaos. The San Diego Fire Department’s Assistant Chief, Dan Eddy, called the debris field “massive.” Nearly 100 folks, many from military families, had to evacuate. It’s the kind of thing that makes you hug your loved ones a little tighter.

Who Was Dave Shapiro?

Dave Shapiro wasn’t just a name in the music biz—he was a force. At 42, he’d already built Sound Talent Group (STG) into a powerhouse, repping bands like Sum 41, Parkway Drive, and Pierce the Veil. Billboard painted a picture of a guy who lived big—BASE jumping, flying planes, even running his own aviation company, Velocity Aviation. He was a certified flight instructor, for crying out loud. That’s the kind of guy who doesn’t just dream—he does.

Here at JV Political, we admire that. Shapiro’s hustle reminds me of the entrepreneurs Trump’s always cheering on—folks who take risks, build businesses, and don’t wait for handouts. Losing someone like that? It’s a punch to the gut for music fans and anyone who respects a self-made man.

Daniel Williams and the Others Lost

Then there’s Daniel Williams, 39, who TMZ says was likely on that plane. If you’ve ever headbanged to The Devil Wears Prada, you know his drumming from albums like Plagues. The band’s Instagram tribute hit me hard: “No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.” Two other STG folks were also killed, though their names haven’t been released yet. My thoughts are with their families as they wait for answers. The plane could’ve held up to ten, but only six were onboard. Still, six too many.

How San Diego and the Music World Are Coping

The Murphy Canyon neighborhood’s pulling together, with police and fire crews working round the clock. San Diego’s Police Chief, Scott Wahl, said they’re hoping folks can get back home soon, but it’s a mess—jet fuel, debris, you name it. On X, I saw a post from State of the Scene that summed it up: “This is a f****** tragedy.” That raw emotion’s echoing across the music scene, from fans to bands to execs.

It’s times like these that show what Americans are made of. We don’t just sit back—we step up, help neighbors, and rebuild. That’s the kind of unity Trump’s leadership has always leaned into, and it’s why we keep pushing at JV Political for policies that put communities first.

What Caused This Tragedy?

Here’s where it gets murky. The NTSB’s digging into why that plane went down, and foggy weather’s getting a hard look. Shapiro was a skilled pilot, but we don’t know if he was at the controls. Could’ve been mechanical trouble, human error, or just bad luck. The Cessna 550’s a solid aircraft, so this one’s raising eyebrows. The BBC mentioned the fog, but we won’t know for sure until the NTSB wraps up, which could take months.

At JV Political, we’re all about getting to the truth. We need answers, not just for closure, but to make sure our skies are safe. Trump’s infrastructure push always put safety first, and we’ll keep beating that drum.

Why This Hits Home for JV Political Readers

For our readers, this isn’t just a headline. It’s a reminder of how fast life can change and why we need leaders who get it—leaders like Trump, who back the kind of bold, independent folks like Shapiro. We’re grieving with the music world and San Diego, but we’re also calling for accountability. Why did this happen? How do we stop it from happening again? Stick with us at jvpolitical.com as we follow this story and keep fighting for the values that make America strong.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was killed in the San Diego plane crash?

Dave Shapiro, a music exec with Sound Talent Group, was confirmed dead, along with two other STG employees. Daniel Williams, former drummer for The Devil Wears Prada, is believed to have been onboard, but we’re still waiting for official word. All six passengers didn’t make it.

What caused the Dave Shapiro plane crash?

Nobody knows yet. The NTSB’s looking at foggy weather, but they’re also checking for mechanical issues or pilot mistakes. It’s too early to say, and the full report might take months.

How bad was the damage in San Diego?

Pretty rough. One house was completely destroyed, ten others took hits, and eight people on the ground were injured. Jet fuel spills made it worse, and about 100 residents had to clear out.

What did Dave Shapiro do in music?

Shapiro was a big deal—co-founded Sound Talent Group and worked with bands like Sum 41 and Pierce the Veil. He also ran Velocity Records, helping independent music thrive.