In the early hours of May 22, tragedy struck in San Diego when a Cessna 550 crashed into a residential area, killing all aboard — including Daniel Williams, former drummer of The Devil Wears Prada, and Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group.
The accident left a path of destruction, igniting several homes and splashing jet fuel across neighborhood streets in Tierrasanta. Remarkably, no fatalities were reported among residents on the ground.
The crash occurred around 3:47 a.m., with the aircraft reportedly hitting over a dozen vehicles and homes in a military housing development. The neighborhood was quickly evacuated as emergency services battled the fires. The jet was en route to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, a short distance from the crash site.
Williams, 39, documented his final moments with a characteristic sense of humor. He filmed himself boarding the aircraft at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey and posted photos from the cockpit. In one image, he joked that he was the “co-pilot now.” The lighthearted post now reads like a poignant farewell.
Following the news, The Devil Wears Prada posted a heartfelt tribute to Williams, who played with the band until 2016 before reportedly transitioning into a career as a software engineer.
“No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever,” the band wrote, sharing a carousel of photos that captured his time with the group.
Sound Talent Group, a major force in talent booking and management, released a somber statement to Billboard: “We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues, and friends. 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.”
Williams had made San Diego his home after leaving the band, marking a quiet chapter in his life following a career that once placed him on international stages. His death, along with Shapiro‘s, leaves a significant void in the creative and business sides of the music industry.
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