Dave Shapiro, 42, was a titan in the world of hard rock and alternative music. After rising through the ranks of the Agency Group and United Talent Agency, Shapiro co-founded Sound Talent Group (STG) in 2018 in San Diego鈥檚 El Cajon neighborhood with industry veterans Tim Borror and Matt Andersen. STG quickly became one of the premier independent music agencies in North America, representing over 400 acts, including high-profile names like Sum 41, Pierce The Veil, Parkway Drive, Vanessa Carlton, and Hanson. The company operates out of 1870 Joe Crosson Drive in El Cajon and has reportedly expanded to include offices in New York and Nashville.
The plane crash occurred at approximately 3:47 a.m. when a 1985 Cessna Citation II jet, owned and piloted by Shapiro, went down near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. The jet, which had originated from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey and stopped in Wichita, Kansas, was attempting a final approach to San Diego amid dense fog and poor visibility when it plummeted into homes along Rancho Hills Drive.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), both the airport鈥檚 weather alert system and runway lights were down at the time of the crash due to an unrelated power surge. As a result, Shapiro received weather updates from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, several miles away, though officials say he was aware of the fog. The plane reportedly struck power lines two miles from the airport and lost a wing before colliding with the neighborhood, igniting an inferno.
The crash set off a fiery chain reaction. The aircraft ignited upon impact, setting at least ten homes and over a dozen vehicles ablaze. Authorities described the neighborhood as a "gigantic debris field," with San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl calling the scene "pretty horrific," and Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy stating, "Every single car on both sides of the street was burning." Jet fuel streamed through the street, further intensifying the blaze. Over 100 residents were forced to evacuate, and several were treated for smoke inhalation. One individual remains hospitalized.
All six people aboard the aircraft were killed, including Daniel Williams, former drummer for metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada, and two additional employees of Sound Talent Group, whose names have not yet been publicly released pending family notification. The flight path, coupled with statements from witnesses and FAA records, confirms the plane was heading toward Montgomery-Gibbs but never made it to the runway.
Tributes have poured in from across the industry, with San Diego-based institutions like Live Nation San Diego, House of Blues, and The Magnolia Theater honoring Shapiro鈥檚 legacy. "Our hearts are forever broken by this tragic plane crash," Live Nation San Diego posted on social media. "Dave Shapiro and the Sound Talent Group are a huge part of the Live Nation San Diego family and will be sorely missed. It is hard to find the words to express how we feel but we take comfort in the many memories Dave and his team created that will forever shape San Diego."
The crash set off a fiery chain reaction. The aircraft ignited upon impact, setting at least ten homes and over a dozen vehicles ablaze. Authorities described the neighborhood as a "gigantic debris field," with San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl calling the scene "pretty horrific," and Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy stating, "Every single car on both sides of the street was burning." Jet fuel streamed through the street, further intensifying the blaze. Over 100 residents were forced to evacuate, and several were treated for smoke inhalation. One individual remains hospitalized.
All six people aboard the aircraft were killed, including Daniel Williams, former drummer for metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada, and two additional employees of Sound Talent Group, whose names have not yet been publicly released pending family notification. The flight path, coupled with statements from witnesses and FAA records, confirms the plane was heading toward Montgomery-Gibbs but never made it to the runway.
Tributes have poured in from across the industry, with San Diego-based institutions like Live Nation San Diego, House of Blues, and The Magnolia Theater honoring Shapiro鈥檚 legacy. "Our hearts are forever broken by this tragic plane crash," Live Nation San Diego posted on social media. "Dave Shapiro and the Sound Talent Group are a huge part of the Live Nation San Diego family and will be sorely missed. It is hard to find the words to express how we feel but we take comfort in the many memories Dave and his team created that will forever shape San Diego."
Shapiro's life extended far beyond his work in talent representation. A dedicated pilot, he founded Velocity Aviation and earned his airline transport pilot rating in 2019. He offered flights in both San Diego and Homer, Alaska, where he and his wife, Julia Pawlik Shapiro, owned a home. The couple, who married in 2016 on a glacier in Alaska鈥檚 Denali National Park, shared a passion for adventure and unconventional living. Shapiro also resided in San Diego鈥檚 Del Cerro neighborhood with Julia.
Flying was more than a pastime for Shapiro - it was a passion. "Flying helps me focus and helps me not be distracted by all the nonsense in the world," he said in a 2020 podcast. "Whatever鈥檚 going on outside the plane kind of doesn鈥檛 matter in those moments."
Shapiro was also the founder of Velocity Records and a co-founder of the National Independent Talent Organization, a group aimed at protecting independent artists and agents. Known for his infectious enthusiasm, fierce loyalty, and drive to uplift underrepresented voices in music, he helped countless artists find their footing in an evolving industry.
In a 2021 podcast, Shapiro described his philosophy toward work: "Finding something you love to do is only going to make you do a better job because you actually care. You鈥檙e not just showing up for the paycheck."
Shapiro鈥檚 contributions to the music industry helped pave the way for the rise of independent agencies, and he was known for supporting up-and-coming bands. "He would listen to any band you put in front of him to give them a chance," said Dayna Ghiraldi-Travers of Big Picture Media. Pierce the Veil, one of STG鈥檚 flagship bands, recalled how Shapiro was the first to book them and even housed them between tours.
Musicians across the industry expressed shock and sorrow. Sum 41 frontman Deryck Whibley shared that Shapiro had flown out to attend the band鈥檚 Canadian Music Hall of Fame induction in March. "He was that guy I would go to for advice on things," Whibley said. "He promised to come back and fly me somewhere crazy for lunch.鈥�"
The NTSB is leading the investigation into the crash. Early indicators suggest inclement weather may have been a factor, though authorities are reviewing flight data, pilot communications, and maintenance records to determine the cause.
Dave Shapiro's death is an incalculable loss to San Diego and the wider music world. A pioneer, advocate, and genuine soul, his legacy will live on through the careers he nurtured and the community he helped build. As the city and music industry reflect on this heartbreaking loss, they also celebrate a life lived with passion, purpose, and impact.
Originally published on May 22, 2025.听
