San Diego plane crash killed multiple musicians: What we know about it

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the aircraft was a Cessna 550, which typically carries six to eight people. The incident occurred in the Murphy Canyon neighbourhood, just 3 kilometres from Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport.

How did the plane crash

The twin-engine Cessna 550 Citation took off from New Jersey, stopping for fuel in Kansas before heading toward San Diego. It crashed after clipping power lines in thick fog around 10.30 pm (local time). Although eight people on the ground sustained injuries, none were serious.

The pilot had acknowledged poor weather conditions during communication with air traffic control. In audio shared by LiveATC.net, the pilot is heard contemplating a diversion: “Doesn’t sound great, but we’ll give it a go,” he said.

Debris covers the ground after the plane crash. (AP Photo)

The Federal Aviation Administration had issued a notice that the airport’s runway lights were not operational at the time. The pilot didn’t mention this to air traffic control but acknowledged being aware that the weather alert system was down.

Thick fog had reduced visibility to near zero, according to Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy. “You could barely see in front of you.”

What we know of the victims

• Dave Shapiro: Shapiro, 42, was widely known in the alternative and heavy music scene. As co-founder of Sound Talent Group, he played a key role in bringing underground acts like ‘Pierce The Veil’ and ‘Parkway Drive’ into the mainstream, while also booking pop names like Vanessa Carlton. Shapiro was listed as the plane’s owner and held a pilot’s license, though it remains unclear who was flying at the time.
• Kendall Fortner and Emma Huke: Fortner, 24, and Huke, 25, had recently joined Sound Talent Group as booking associates. Both were passionate about live music and had dreamed of working in the industry from a young age. “There was nothing Emma loved more than live music,” said the agency in a statement.
• Daniel Williams: Williams, a former drummer for the metalcore band ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, was also on board. The band saw major success during his time, with multiple Top 10 Billboard entries. “Daniel was putting on a show from his style of playing,” said music manager Thomas Gutches. The band was among those represented by Sound Talent Group.
• Celina Marie Rose Kenyon: Kenyon, 36, was not affiliated with Sound Talent Group but was onboard to support and photograph longtime friends, according to her father. “She chose to fly back late so she could take her daughter to school the next morning,” said Bryan Charles Feldman, her father, in a statement to AP.
• Dominic Christopher Damian: Also killed was 41-year-old Damian, whose death was confirmed by the San Diego County coroner. A local martial arts school, The Training Center, posted a tribute, announcing an open mat session in his memory.

This crash adds to a series of fatal aviation incidents in the US in the recent times. Earlier this year, a collision between a passenger jet and an Army helicopter in Washington claimed 67 lives—the deadliest crash in more than two decades. Several smaller aircraft incidents across Alaska, Philadelphia, and the Hudson River have also taken place.

(With inputs from AP)

My Express

ECI Bihar Election Results 2025 LIVE: ‘No sorrow in defeat…ups and down inevitable’: RJD’s first reaction to poll rout

West Bengal voter list: Step-by-step guide to check your name in electoral roll of 2002 SIR

Bihar Election Commission of India Results 2025 LIVE: check results on results.eci.gov.in | Chapra, Raghopur, Karakat, Chanpatia, Ramgarh