SAN DIEGO (AP) – A tragic plane crash occurred in San Diego, likely claiming the lives of six individuals, including the influential alternative music executive Dave Shapiro. The incident took place as the private plane was approaching Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport just before 4 a.m. on a Thursday morning. Investigators indicated that the runway lights were non-operational and heavy fog conditions were present at the time of the accident.
It could take a year for investigators to fully understand the circumstances leading to the crash. Initial findings suggest the aircraft encountered thick fog, issues with the runway lighting, and a malfunctioning weather alert system, as stated by Dan Baker of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The crash has shocked the heavy metal and hard rock music community, as Dave Shapiro co-founded Sound Talent Group, a music agency representing prominent bands like Pierce The Veil, Parkway Drive, and Sum 41, while also working with pop artists such as Hanson and Vanessa Carlton. Alongside Shapiro, Daniel Williams, a former drummer for the popular Ohio metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada, was also killed in the crash, along with two employees from Shapiro's agency, Kendall Fortner, 24, and Emma Huke, 25. Authorities have yet to release the identities of all the victims.
The Cessna 550 Citation was en route from New Jersey to San Diego, with a refueling stop in Kansas. The aircraft crashed roughly two miles from the designated airport, leading to injuries for eight individuals on the ground, although none were reported seriously hurt. Initial reports suggested that the plane may have hit power lines before going down, but this has not been confirmed by federal investigators.
Audio recordings from air traffic control indicated that the pilot informed controllers about the unfavorable weather conditions and contemplated diverting to an alternative airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had issued a notice that the runway lights at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport were not functioning. Despite these issues, the pilot decided to proceed, mentioning to the air traffic controller that, "Doesn’t sound great but we’ll give it a go."
As Assistant San Diego Fire Department Chief Dan Eddy described, the fog during the time of the crash was so dense that visibility was severely limited. Although Shapiro was identified as the owner of the plane and held a pilot's license, officials have not disclosed who was piloting the aircraft at the time of the crash.
Shapiro, 42, began his journey in the music industry as a member of the high school band Count with Stars. His success stemmed not only from his musical abilities but also from the connections he nurtured in the industry. He played a crucial role in transforming the underground alternative music scene of the 2010s into a mainstream phenomenon. Mike Shea, founder of Alternative Press, highlighted Shapiro's efforts in building a community in a highly competitive industry, acknowledging him as a "beautiful soul" and an inspiring figure.
Shapiro was known for his warmth, genuineness, and willingness to support new bands. Dayna Ghiraldi-Travers, founder of the public relations agency Big Picture Media, remarked that he was always willing to listen to any band presented to him, giving them opportunities to succeed.
Recently, U.S. aviation has faced a challenging year with multiple fatal accidents. In January, the deadliest plane crash in over 23 years occurred, resulting in the deaths of 67 individuals aboard an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army helicopter. Other incidents, including a sightseeing helicopter crash and a medical transport plane crash, have further underscored aviation safety concerns in the country.
