A tragic plane crash occurred in San Diego’s Murphy Canyon neighborhood early on May 22, 2025. A Cessna 550 Citation II private jet, carrying six people, crashed into a residential area near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport around 3:45 a.m. local time. All six occupants are presumed dead, with no reported fatalities among residents on the ground.
Among the deceased were Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group and a licensed pilot, and Daniel Williams, former drummer of the band The Devil Wears Prada. Two other employees of Sound Talent Group also perished in the crash.
The jet departed from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, made a refueling stop in Wichita, Kansas, and was en route to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego. The crash occurred during the final approach.
The aircraft clipped power lines before crashing into the neighborhood, igniting fires that damaged at least 15 homes and multiple vehicles. Approximately 100 residents were evacuated, and eight individuals sustained minor injuries, primarily from smoke inhalation.
Dense fog and low visibility were reported at the time of the crash, with visibility down to half a mile. The aircraft was likely operating under instrument flight rules, which require pilots to rely on instruments when visibility is poor.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash. Preliminary reports indicate that the jet clipped power lines before the crash.
This incident has deeply affected both the local community and the music industry, with tributes pouring in for the victims. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash and are urging residents to report any debris or hazards in the area.