Rock Musician, Influential Music Executive Among the Victims

A business jet crashed in a San Diego military neighborhood early on May 22, killing all six people on board and lighting part of a neighborhood on fire. The victims included music executive Dave Shapiro and former The Devil Wears Prada drummer Daniel Williams.

The aircraft involved, a Cessna 550 Citation registered N666DS, had taken off from Colonel James Jabara Airport (AAO). Around three hours later, it began its approach to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport (MYF) in San Diego, California. As the jet descended through instrument conditions, without the help of a local altimeter setting, the jet struck high-voltage power lines.

The Citation went down around 3:45 am in the Murphy Canyon area, which is a neighborhood made up of US Navy housing. The crash lit multiple homes and cars on fire, and caused jet fuel to spill into the street, which triggered several more fires. Eight residents were hospitalized for smoke inhalation and other non-life-threatening injuries.

Dave Shapiro, a licensed pilot and co-founder of Sound Talent Group, was listed as the owner of the aircraft. He was traveling with Daniel Williams, who posted about boarding the plane on Instagram shortly before the crash. Sound Talent Group confirmed that two employees were also among the victims.

“We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues and friends,” read a statement from Sound Talent Group. “Our hearts go out to their families and to everyone impacted by today’s tragedy.”

The journey leading up to the crash had begun in Teterboro, New Jersey, and stopped in Wichita, Kansas, before continuing to California. According to archives, the pilot told air traffic control, "I'll give it a go," shortly before the crash. The NTSB will head the investigation.

The local community, including several military nonprofits, has launched support efforts for the roughly 50 families affected. They are requesting basic supplies and gift cards to help with immediate needs.

FMI: https://soundtalentgroup.com