A Music Talent Agent and Five Others were killed in the Private Jet that Crashed into San Diego Neighborhood Yesterday Morning

Sound Talent Group co-founder and agent Dave Shapiro died in a plane crash in San Diego, Calif

A private jet carrying a prominent music talent agent and five others crashed into a San Diego neighborhood early Thursday morning, killing all on board and igniting a fire that devastated homes and vehicles. The aircraft struck a power line while descending in heavy fog, ultimately slamming into a residential house in Murphy Canyon, the largest Navy-owned housing community in the United States.

Authorities confirmed that the jet struck around 4 a.m., instantly engulfing the area in flames as jet fuel spilled into the streets, sparking fires in at least six vehicles. Residents were jolted awake by the violent impact and a series of explosions, with some describing the scene as apocalyptic.

Drummer Daniel Williams of The Devil Wears Prada was also killed in the crash

“I can’t quite put words to describe what the scene looks like, but with the jet fuel going down the street, and everything on fire all at once, it was pretty horrific to see,” said San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl.

Despite the widespread destruction, no fatalities were reported among neighborhood residents. Eight individuals were transported to local hospitals for smoke inhalation and minor injuries, including one person who sustained injuries while climbing out of a window to escape the blaze, according to Officer Anthony Carrasco.

Debris covers the ground after a small plane crashed into a San Diego neighborhood, setting homes and cars on fire and forcing evacuations early Thursday, May 22, 2025.

The crash claimed the life of Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group, along with two employees of the agency. Sound Talent Group has represented artists such as Hanson, Vanessa Carlton, and Sum 41. Shapiro was also the owner of Velocity Records. “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,” the agency said in a statement.

Also believed to be among the victims was Daniel Williams, former drummer of the metal band The Devil Wears Prada, who posted on Instagram that he was boarding the flight with Shapiro. The band later paid tribute online, writing: “No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.”

Authorities work the scene where a small plane crashed into a San Diego neighborhood, setting several homes on fire and forcing evacuations along several blocks early Thursday, May 22, 2025

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed six people were on board the 1985 Cessna 550 Citation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation and recovering remains from the wreckage before releasing a final death toll and confirming identities.

Debris from the aircraft was scattered across the crash site, including under power lines and across nearby roads. A section of the plane’s wing landed in the street behind the homes, according to NTSB investigator Elliot Simpson.

Authorities work the scene where a small plane crashed into a San Diego neighborhood, setting several homes on fire and forcing evacuations along several blocks early Thursday, May 22, 2025

The home that took the direct hit was destroyed. Its roof partially collapsed, and its facade was burned beyond recognition. Approximately ten additional homes were damaged. Ben McCarty, a Navy veteran of 13 years, and his wife described waking up to intense heat. “My wife was screaming, and she’s like, 'There’s a fire,'” McCarty recalled. Trapped inside, they grabbed their children and pets before escaping through the backyard with help from neighbors. Both of their vehicles were destroyed—one was even launched into the living room by the impact. “It put my truck into our living room,” he said.

Dozens of other cars were reduced to scorched shells. Smoke continued to rise from the area for hours as firefighters battled persistent vehicle fires. Ariya Waterworth, another resident, described waking to a “whooshing sound” followed by a massive fireball outside her window. She evacuated with her children and dog, later finding her yard littered with plane parts, broken glass, and debris. “I definitely do feel blessed, because we’ve been spared,” she said.

Several houses were damaged and cars caught fire in the plane crash, authorities said

Roughly 100 residents were evacuated, and it remains unclear when they can safely return. Jet fuel continued to flow down Salmon Street long after the crash, and the odor of fuel lingered throughout the day. “We have jet fuel all over the place,” said Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy. “The fog was so thick this morning, you could barely see in front of you.”

The jet departed Teterboro Airport in New Jersey around 11:15 p.m. Wednesday, made a fuel stop in Wichita, Kansas, and was en route to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego when it crashed approximately two miles from the airfield. Audio captured from air traffic control indicates the pilot was on final approach around 3:45 a.m.

According to aviation experts, the flight was likely operating under instrument flight rules due to poor visibility. However, regulations required the pilot to make a visual confirmation of the runway at 673 feet above ground. “If a pilot descends to that level and he can’t see the runway, he has to call for a missed approach or divert to another airport,” said aviation attorney Barry Newman.

The crash marks another in a series of tragic aviation accidents in San Diego. In October 2021, a twin-engine plane crashed in a suburb while attempting to land, killing the pilot and a UPS driver on the ground. In December 2008, a Marine Corps jet crash in University City killed four people inside a home, later blamed on mechanical failure and pilot error.

The NTSB will remain on scene through Friday to collect evidence and is asking for any video or witness accounts related to the crash.