Daniel Williams, the former drummer of the metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada, died in a tragic plane crash in San Diego on May 22, 2025. The crash also killed music agent Dave Shapiro and four others. Williams was 39 years old.
The private jet, a Cessna 550, crashed into a residential neighborhood in Murphy Canyon around 3:45 a.m. local time. The plane hit power lines and burst into flames, damaging homes and cars. No one on the ground died, but eight people were injured.
Williams had posted photos from inside the plane just hours before the crash. One showed him in the cockpit with the caption, “Hey. Hey… you… look at me… I’m the (co)pilot now.” Another read, “Here we goooooo.” His father confirmed he was on the flight but said he did not have a pilot’s license.
The Devil Wears Prada shared a tribute on Instagram, writing, “No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.” Williams was a founding member of the band in 2005 and played on their first five albums before leaving in 2016.
Dave Shapiro, 42, was the co-founder of Sound Talent Group, a music agency representing bands like Sum 41 and Parkway Drive. He was also an experienced pilot and owned the plane. His agency confirmed his death, calling it a “devastating loss.”
The crash is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Officials say foggy weather may have been a factor. The plane had flown from New Jersey with a fuel stop in Kansas before the crash near San Diego’s Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport.
Williams had recently announced a new job at Apple after working at GoPro for eight years. Fans and musicians shared emotional tributes online, remembering him as a talented drummer and kind person.
The other victims included two employees from Shapiro’s agency and a private business executive. Their names have not been officially released. Authorities are working to confirm identities and notify families.
Local residents described a loud explosion and fire after the crash. Many were evacuated, but no serious injuries were reported on the ground. The neighborhood is home to military families, and some houses were badly damaged.
Williams survived a mass shooting in Ohio in 2019, where nine people were killed. He had posted about the traumatic experience, saying he was “never so scared” in his life.
Sound Talent Group said they are “heartbroken” over the loss of Shapiro and their team members. The music industry has shared many tributes, calling Shapiro a “visionary” who helped many artists succeed.
The Devil Wears Prada had several hit albums during Williams’ time with the band, including “Dead Throne” and “Zombie EP.” Fans are mourning his death and sharing memories of his performances.
Williams’ last Instagram posts showed him excited for his flight. His family is waiting for official confirmation from authorities but believes he was on the plane. The NTSB will release more details after the investigation.
Also Read: Elton John Speaks About Vision Loss at Premiere of The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical
Credits: Sources include The Daily Beast, NY Post, Independent, CBS 8, Billboard, and other verified reports.
