The American rock music scene is reeling from a devastating loss following a tragic plane crash in San Diego on May 22, 2025. Among the victims was Dave Shapiro, a prominent industry leader and co-founder of Sound Talent Group (STG), who was piloting the private jet when it crashed into the Murphy Canyon neighborhood. The crash resulted in the deaths of all six people aboard and caused injuries to multiple residents on the ground.
Dave Shapiro , celebrated for his deep influence on the careers of countless rock and metal artists, was known for his visionary approach and unwavering dedication to the music community. The crash also took the lives of two other STG team members, with reports suggesting that acclaimed drummer Daniel Williams may have also been among the deceased, though this has not yet been officially confirmed.
As investigators work to determine the cause of the crash, an outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes from across the music industry has highlighted the deep impact Dave Shapiro had on colleagues, artists, and fans alike. The tragedy marks a profound moment of mourning for the rock world, as it says goodbye to one of its most passionate advocates.
Dave Shapiro, 42, a respected music agent credited with shaping the careers of some of rock’s biggest names, died in a tragic plane crash early Thursday morning in San Diego. Dave Shapiro was aboard a 1985 Cessna Citation II jet, which crashed around 3:45 a.m. in the Murphy Canyon area. The aircraft, owned by Shapiro through his aviation company Daviation LLC, had departed from New Jersey and made a fuel stop in Kansas before heading toward its intended destination—Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego.
All six individuals on board the aircraft, including Dave Shapiro and two team members from Sound Talent Group (STG)—the company he co-founded—tragically lost their lives in the crash. The names of the other victims have not yet been made public, pending notification of their families.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues, and dear friends,” Sound Talent Group said in a statement to Billboard. “Our deepest condolences go out to their families and to everyone affected by this unimaginable tragedy. We sincerely appreciate the respect for their privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”
Who Was Dave Shapiro?
Dave Shapiro : He was far more than just a music agent—he was a visionary force in the rock and alternative music scenes. In 2018, he co-founded Sound Talent Group alongside Tim Borror and Matt Andersen, quickly establishing the company as a powerhouse in artist representation. Under his leadership, STG became home to an impressive roster of acts, including Sum 41, Pierce the Veil, I Prevail, Vanessa Carlton, Silverstein, Parkway Drive, and Hanson—a testament to Shapiro’s diverse musical reach and deep industry trust.
Before launching STG, Shapiro built his reputation at two of the most respected agencies in the business: The Agency Group and United Talent Agency (UTA). Known for his sharp instincts, tireless work ethic, and genuine care for the artists he represented, he earned widespread respect among peers, clients, and competitors alike. His impact extended beyond business—Shapiro helped shape the sound and success of a generation of rock and alternative music.
Beyond his influential role in talent management, Dave Shapiro was a true multi-hyphenate. He founded Velocity Records, an independent label that championed artists like Thursday, Concrete Castles, and Craig Owens, further showcasing his commitment to nurturing diverse musical voices.
But Shapiro’s passions extended far beyond the stage. A dedicated and experienced pilot with over 15 years in the cockpit, he also ran Velocity Aviation, a business that offered flight instruction and celebrated the thrill of flying. His personal website reflected that deep connection to the skies:
“From BASE jumping to aerobatic flying, helicopters to twin engines, flight instructing to furthering his own education—doesn’t matter to Dave as long as he gets to be in the sky.”
Whether navigating the complexities of the music industry or soaring through the air, Shapiro brought the same energy, curiosity, and intensity to everything he did.
Crash in Murphy Canyon: A tragedy in the fog
The fatal crash unfolded in the early morning haze as the private jet clipped power lines and slammed into a residence in Murphy Canyon, a military housing community owned by the U.S. Navy. Dense fog had severely limited visibility—down to just half a mile—forcing the aircraft to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR).
According to Elliot Simpson of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the jet had departed Teterboro Airport in New Jersey at approximately 11:15 p.m. local time. After making a scheduled fuel stop in Wichita, Kansas, it continued on toward Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego, crashing just minutes before it was due to land.
Wreckage was scattered across the area. Fragments of the aircraft were found beneath the severed power lines, while one of the wings had landed on a nearby street. “As you’d expect with something moving at such high speed, the debris was thrown in every direction,” explained Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy, describing the extensive impact zone left behind by the tragedy.
The crash left a trail of destruction in its wake. One home was completely leveled—its roof caved in and its front façade consumed by fire. Ten additional homes sustained varying degrees of damage, and several vehicles parked along the street were reduced to charred, skeletal remains from the intense heat.
The incident forced the evacuation of more than 100 residents. Among them, five members of a single family were hospitalized for smoke inhalation, while a sixth person was injured while escaping through a window.
Local resident Christopher Moore described the terrifying moment he and his wife heard the crash. “It was definitely horrifying, for sure,” he told the Associated Press. “But sometimes you’ve just got to drop your head and get to safety.”
A nearby Marine recounted the eerie prelude to the disaster: a “strange whistling, wheezing noise” followed by a sudden boom and violent shake that rattled their entire house.
Music Industry Pays Tribute : Dave Shapiro a Legacy That Soars
The music world is in mourning. News of Dave Shapiro’s sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the industry, prompting an outpouring of heartfelt tributes across social media.
Another echoed the sentiment: “People don’t understand how much of an impact Dave Shapiro had on the alternative music scene. RIP—you truly made this scene a better place.”
Others reflected on the broader tragedy, including the reported loss of drummer Daniel Williams: “Dave Shapiro & Daniel Williams passing is rough. Especially that way… This hurts.”
Shapiro’s influence extended far beyond contracts and tour dates. He was a builder of careers, a champion for artists, and a source of inspiration—both in the sky and on the ground. His passion, generosity, and belief in the music he loved helped shape the landscape of modern rock and alternative.
Meanwhile, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a comprehensive investigation into the crash. While early attention is focused on low visibility and potential mechanical failure, officials emphasize that it’s too early to draw conclusions.