SAN DIEGO, CA (CelebrityAccess) – Dave Shapiro, the 42-year-old co-founder of Sound Talent Group, was killed in a plane crash in San Diego around 3:47 am Thursday (May 22) morning.
The aircraft, a 1985 Cessna S550 Citation, reportedly crashed into the Murphy Canyon neighborhood near San Diego’s Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport while on final approach, killing all on board and damaging several homes.
According to flight data from FlightAware, the jet was on the second leg of a trip that began at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, with a stop in Wichita, Kansas, before continuing on to San Diego.
Preliminary reports indicated at least two fatalities, Shapiro and former drummer for the band The Devil Wears Prada, Daniel Williams. Williams was identified as a victim of the crash by his family, according to TMZ.
There were six people on board and the others, all presumed dead, have yet to be named. Rumors circulating within the industry suggest the passengers may have included an artist manager and an STG assistant.
FAA records show the aircraft was registered to Daviator, an Alaska-based company listing Shapiro as its registered agent.
Shapiro, a licensed pilot certified to operate both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, was known for his work with Angel Flight West, a nonprofit that provides free air transportation for medical patients in need.
While Sound Talent Group did not immediately respond to a request for comment, a representative told Billboard‘s Dave Brooks that Shapiro and at least two other STG employees—whose names have not yet been made public—were aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash.
“We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues, and friends,” the rep said. “Our hearts go out to their families and to everyone impacted by today’s tragedy. Thank you so much for respecting their privacy at this time.”
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dave Shapiro and his two colleagues. Dave was a visionary in the music industry and a founding partner of Sound Talent Group.
His passion, dedication, and unwavering support for artists shaped the careers of countless musicians and helped elevate the live music experience for fans around the world. As a founding member of NIT0, Dave was instrumental in the initial formation and funding of the organization and assisted countless of our peers successfully navigate the pandemic shutdown of live music.
Our sincerest condolences go out to Dave’s family, friends, and everyone at STG. This is a monumental loss to our community.
View this post on Instagram
The tributes continue to pour in:
The Devil Wears Prada (IG): “No Words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.”
Hanson (X): “Today we are all mourning the tragic loss of our longtime friend and booking agent Dave Shapiro. Dave was fearless in life, and tireless in his work, and the kind of friend you would want on your speed dial. Dave seemed to always be working on a new endeavor, or to be going on a new adventure, because he was always excited for a new challenge. We are grateful for the 15 years we knew him. Our hearts go out to Dave’s family and the team at Sound Talent Group.”
State of the Scene Podcast (X): “Heart goes out to Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams’ family and friends. What a f******* tragedy this week has been.”
Set It Off’s Cody Carson (IG): “He created such a legacy, founded on hard work, fairness, respect, integrity and the desire to see everyone grow.”
Tonight Alive (IG): “The love for your bands and the twinkle in your eye will always remain in our memories.”
Stand Atlantic’s Bonnie Fraser (IG): “It was an honour to know and work beside you. Thank you for taking a chance and believing in our band from day one.”
