San Diego Plane Crash Victims Identified: Music Industry Mourns Loss of Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams
A devastating plane crash in a San Diego neighborhood on Thursday morning claimed the lives of six people on board, with two victims identified as Dave Shapiro, a prominent music agent, and Daniel Williams, former drummer of metal-core band The Devil Wears Prada. The crash, which occurred around 3:47 a.m., also injured eight people on the ground and sparked a massive fire that destroyed several cars and homes.
According to a report by The Independent, Shapiro, 42, was a co-founder of Sound Talent Group, a music agency that represents artists such as Hanson, Vanessa Carlton, and Sum 41. He was an avid pilot with over a decade of flying experience and was known in the music industry as a "daredevil." Shapiro’s passion for flying was evident on his aviation website, which reads: "From BASE jumping to aerobatic flying, Helicopters to twin engines, flight instructing to furthering his own education, doesn’t matter to Dave as long as he gets to be in the sky."
Shapiro’s love for music and flying was equally evident in his career. He was a strong advocate for independent musicians and co-founded the National Independent Talent Organization. In 2012, he was included in Billboard’s "30 Under 30" list recognizing rising stars in entertainment. Industry veterans credit Shapiro with paving the way for the formation of other independent agencies and helping many alternative bands find audiences in the mainstream. As The Independent reported, Shapiro said in a music industry podcast in 2021, "Finding something you love to do is only going to make you do a better job because you actually care. You’re not just showing up for the paycheck, it’s not a 9-to-5."
The second victim identified was Daniel Williams, former drummer of The Devil Wears Prada. Williams’ family confirmed his death to TMZ, with his father Larry Williams stating that he was confident his son was on the plane, although he had not received official confirmation from authorities. The Devil Wears Prada paid tribute to Williams on their Instagram page, sharing pictures of him and writing: "No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever."
Williams had posted a photo of himself in the copilot’s seat of the small plane on social media, with the caption "Hey … look at me … I’m the (co) pilot now." However, his father told TMZ that his son did not have a pilot’s license. Fans and fellow musicians have been paying tribute to Williams, describing him as a "great guy" and an inspiration.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with authorities working to identify the remaining victims. The cause of the crash is still unknown, but The Independent will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
As the music industry mourns the loss of Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams, their families and friends are coming to terms with the devastating news. Shapiro’s wife, Julia Pawlik Shapiro, wrote a heartfelt blog post about her husband, saying: "When I met Dave, we became instantly bonded over the unconventional lifestyles we lead and our constant need for adventure." The outpouring of tributes and condolences for both Shapiro and Williams is a testament to their impact on the music industry and their loved ones.
The crash serves as a tragic reminder of the risks and uncertainties of life, and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones. As The Independent reports, the investigation into the crash will continue, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.
