San Diego Plane Crash: All Six Onboard Confirmed Dead

 

San Diego Plane Crash: All Six Onboard Confirmed Dead

On May 22, 2025, a private jet tragically crashed into a residential neighborhood in San Diego, California, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals aboard. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, approximately two miles from Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport.

Victims Identified

Among the victims was Dave Shapiro, a 42-year-old music agent and co-founder of Sound Talent Group, a prominent agency representing rock, punk, and metal artists. Also aboard were booking agents Kendall Fortner (24) and Emma Huke (25), both of whom had a deep passion for live music and had been integral to the agency's operations. Daniel Williams, former drummer for the band The Devil Wears Prada, was also on the flight. The remaining passengers were identified as Celina Marie Rose Kenyon and Dominic Christopher Damian. Tragically, Daniel Williams' fiancée, Hannah Ray, shared that he passed away on their 14th anniversary, adding to the profound grief of the loss .

Contributing Factors to the Crash

Investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed several factors that may have contributed to the crash. The aircraft, a twin-engine Cessna Citation, encountered thick fog during its approach to the airport, leading to reduced visibility. Additionally, the runway lights at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport were inoperative, and the weather alert system was not functioning due to a power surge. The pilot, who was reportedly Dave Shapiro, acknowledged the challenging weather conditions and considered diverting to an alternate airport but ultimately attempted to land. The plane struck high-tension power lines before crashing into a residential area, igniting fires that damaged several homes and vehicles .

Aftermath and Community Impact

The crash caused significant damage to the neighborhood, with at least 10 homes affected and over 100 residents evacuated. Emergency responders worked swiftly to contain the fires and assist those impacted. While eight individuals on the ground sustained injuries, none were reported to be in serious condition.

The loss has deeply affected the music community, with tributes pouring in from artists and fans alike. Pierce The Veil, a band represented by Sound Talent Group, expressed their sorrow on social media, honoring the memory of their late agent and friend .

The NTSB continues its investigation into the cause of the crash, with a preliminary report expected in the coming weeks and a final report potentially taking up to two years to complete.