Tragic Jet Crash Claims Life of Music Talent Agent in San Diego Neighborhood
- NewsBlend360
- May 23
- 4 min read
By NEWS BLEND 360
Updated 12:34 PM EDT, May 22, 2025
SAN DIEGO (NB360) — A private jet transporting a music talent agent and five others struck a power line in foggy conditions early Thursday, crashing into a San Diego neighborhood, colliding with a home, and resulting in multiple fatalities among those on board.
As the home was engulfed in flames and jet fuel flowed down the streets, several vehicles caught fire, while residents of the U.S. Navy-owned housing neighborhood were jolted awake just before 4 a.m. by the deafening crash and subsequent explosions. Looking out their windows, they witnessed a wall of fire.
“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.
No neighborhood residents were killed, but eight people were hospitalized for smoke inhalation and non-life-threatening injuries, including an individual injured while climbing out a window, according to police officer Anthony Carrasco.
Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group, and two employees were among the deceased, as stated by the music agency. Sound Talent Group has represented artists such as American pop band Hanson, American singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton, and Canadian rock group Sum 41. Hanson is perhaps best known for its catchy 1990s pop hit, “MMMBop.” Shapiro also owned 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 expressed.
Six individuals were aboard the plane, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Authorities were still examining the scene and recovering bodies before releasing an official count and identifying the deceased, though there were no expected survivors from the flight.
Daniel Williams, former drummer for the metal band The Devil Wears Prada, shared on his Instagram on Wednesday afternoon that he was boarding the plane with Shapiro. The band paid tribute to Williams on their Instagram page.
“No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever,” the band wrote.
A representative for the band referred to their social media post when asked about Williams’ death.
Parts of Shapiro’s 1985 Cessna 550 Citation were scattered over a large area, including debris under the power lines and a section of the wing on a road behind the homes, according to Elliot Simpson of the National Transportation Safety Board.
Neighborhood hit hard
The home that was hit was destroyed, with the front severely burned and the roof partially collapsed, while around 10 other houses were damaged in Murphy Canyon, the largest Navy-owned housing neighborhood in the country, according to officials.
Ben McCarty and his wife, residents of the impacted home, reported feeling heat surrounding them.
“My wife was screaming, saying, ‘There’s a fire,’” McCarty, a 13-year Navy veteran, told local ABC affiliate KGTV.
As he moved toward the front of the house, he noticed the roof had collapsed, and flames blocked their exit. They quickly gathered their children and dogs, escaping to the back, where neighbors assisted them in climbing over the fence to safety.
The plane also struck the couple’s vehicles, which caught fire.
“It pushed my truck into our living room,” McCarty stated.
Other vehicles on the street were melted and reduced to charred shells. One persistent car fire sent smoke into the air for hours.
Ariya Waterworth recalled waking up to a “whooshing sound” and then seeing a massive fireball outside. She called for help as firefighters arrived and assisted her in evacuating with her two children and the family dog.
One of the family's vehicles was "completely destroyed," while the other suffered significant damage. Her yard was scattered with airplane parts, shattered glass, and debris.
"I definitely feel blessed, because we've been spared," she remarked.
Over 100 residents were evacuated. Hours following the crash, jet fuel flowed down Salmon Street. The smell of fumes lingered throughout the day, and officials stated it was uncertain when it would be safe for residents to return.
"We have jet fuel everywhere," said Assistant San Diego Fire Department Chief Dan Eddy.
Eddy also mentioned that the morning fog was so dense that "you could barely see in front of you."
The plane originated from a small New Jersey airport
The flight took off from Teterboro, New Jersey, near Manhattan, at about 11:15 p.m. Wednesday and made a fuel stop in Wichita, Kansas, before continuing on to San Diego, according to Simpson.
Based on the flight path, it was bound for Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport when it struck power lines about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) southeast of the airfield, Simpson said.
Audio recorded by www.liveATC.net includes a brief transmission from the pilot saying he was on final approach to the airport and was about 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) out at 3:45 a.m.
NTSB investigators planned to spend Thursday and Friday at the scene gathering evidence, Simpson said. He welcomed video or other details from any witnesses.
The plane was attempting to land in foggy weather
At that hour and in foggy weather, the plane was likely operating on an instrument flight rules plan, which is typically used during reduced visibility, said Barry Newman, a board-certified aviation attorney.
However, for that airport, once an aircraft reaches 673 feet (205 meters), the pilot also has to rely on sight.
“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,” Newman said.
In October 2021 a twin-engine plane plowed into a San Diego suburb, killing the pilot and a UPS delivery driver on the ground and burning homes. It was preparing to land at the airport.
And in December 2008, a Marine Corps fighter jet slammed into a house in San Diego’s University City neighborhood, causing an explosion that killed four people inside. The Marine Corps blamed the crash on mechanical failure and human error.
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