Christian metal drummer Daniel Williams killed in San Diego plane crash along with three other victims.
In a tragic incident that has reverberated through the music community, Daniel Williams, a former drummer of the renowned Christian metal band The Devil Wears Prada, was one of the victims in a plane crash that occurred early Thursday morning in San Diego. At the age of 39, Williams’ untimely death has drawn attention not only due to his musical contributions but also to the events leading up to the crash.
Williams’ family confirmed his passing, stating that they were aware he was on board the ill-fated flight, which involved a Cessna 550 jet carrying a total of six individuals. Tragically, there were no survivors from the crash, and initial reports confirm that at least two individuals, including Williams, lost their lives. Among those identified was Dave Shapiro, the co-founder of the Sound Talent Group music agency. The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are currently under investigation by local authorities and aviation officials.
Prior to the accident, Williams had uploaded three Instagram Stories the night before, one of which featured a plane with the tail number N666DS, the same aircraft that ultimately crashed. In this post, Williams mentioned he was returning from a trip with Shapiro, whose social media handle he referenced. Subsequent posts appeared to showcase views from the co-pilot’s seat, though Williams’ family noted that he did not possess a pilot’s license.
It is important to note that Shapiro was a licensed pilot and is registered as the owner of the aircraft; however, authorities have yet to determine if he was at the controls during the flight. The tragic accident has left friends and family mourning, as well as sparking discussions about aviation safety and the implications of non-professional pilots navigating aircraft.
Williams was an integral part of The Devil Wears Prada, which formed in 2005 in Dayton, Ohio. His drumming contributed to the band’s signature sound across their first five studio albums before he departed from the group in 2016. In a heartfelt tribute shared on social media, the band expressed their grief with statements reflecting their deep appreciation and affection for Williams, underscoring the profound loss felt within their community.
As investigations proceed, the impact of this tragedy extends beyond the world of music, prompting a wider reflection on the fragility of life and the unexpected nature of such losses. Media News Source will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available regarding the circumstances of the crash and the identities of the victims involved.
