Jet crash near airport kills drummer and music executive after hitting power lines.
On May 22, 2025, a tragic plane crash in San Diego claimed the lives of six individuals, including prominent figures in the music industry. The victims included Christian rock drummer Daniel Williams and music executive Dave Shapiro, along with four others associated with Shapiro’s Sound Talent Group. Initial investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have revealed that factors such as malfunctioning runway lights, adverse weather conditions, and low-hanging power lines played significant roles in the accident.
The NTSB’s preliminary report disclosed that the Cessna Citation S550 struck power lines approximately 90 feet from the ground while approaching Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. Investigators noted that the airport’s runway lights had been out of service since March 2022. Had these lights been operational, they could have provided essential guidance during the less-than-ideal landing conditions. Despite a notification indicating that the lights were not functioning, repairs were delayed pending the completion of an environmental study by airport operators.
Minutes before the ill-fated descent, the pilot communicated with air traffic control, acknowledging the challenging conditions yet expressing confidence in the landing. The sequence of events spiraled tragically as the aircraft collided with the power lines at approximately 3:47 a.m. before crashing into a nearby residential area. The impact resulted in the complete destruction of the plane and significant damage to a Southern California home, along with the loss of 20 vehicles parked in the vicinity.
The identities of the passengers aboard the aircraft also included Kendall Fortner and Emma Huke, booking assistants in Shapiro’s agency, as well as Dominic Damian, a close friend of Shapiro, and professional photographer Celina Kenyon, known for her work with various musical artists. The crash injured eight individuals on the ground, extending the tragedy beyond the aircraft itself.
A final report detailing the cause of the crash is expected to be released sometime in 2026. While FAA records confirm that the plane was registered to Shapiro, authorities have not yet confirmed whether he was piloting at the time. Notably, Shapiro held the highest level of pilot certification in the United States and operated an aviation school.
At the time of the incident, Shapiro and Williams were returning home to San Diego after attending a concert at Madison Square Garden two nights prior, where they witnessed Pierce the Veil’s performance. The event marks a profound loss in the music community, underscoring the tragic intertwining of professional endeavors and personal lives in unforeseen circumstances.
As investigations continue, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of aviation safety measures and the critical role of infrastructure maintenance in ensuring safe travel.
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