The plane crash in San Diego, California, tragically killed six people, including Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group, and ex-Drummer for The Devil Wears Prada, Daniel Williams
New details have emerged about the tragic plane crash that took the lives of a music talent agent and five others, with investigations moving on to the flight path and potential cause of the disaster.
The aircraft had departed from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey on Wednesday at 11.15pm ET, with tracking data showing it made a fuel stop in Kansas before heading towards California. Tragically, in the early hours of Thursday, May 22, the plane plummeted into a San Diego neighbourhood, crashing into a house and claiming multiple lives on board, including former Devil Wears Prada drummer, Daniel Williams.
The collision set the house ablaze and sent jet fuel streaming through the streets, causing half a dozen vehicles to catch fire as residents of the U.S. Navy-owned housing area were jolted awake just before 4am by the deafening impact and ensuing blasts.
Before the catastrophe, the 39-year-old musician had posted a photo of himself at the plane’s controls, quipping that he was the “co-pilot now” in a message that left it unclear whether he was being serious. Earlier, he had excitedly posted: “‘Here we gooooo.”
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl expressed the horror of the scene, stating: “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.”, reports the Mirror.
The plane was en route to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport when it collided with power lines roughly 2 miles southeast of the airfield, according to Simpson. An audio clip captured by www.liveATC.net features the pilot’s last words, stating he was on final approach and approximately 3 miles away at 3.45am.
Assistant Chief Dan Eddy of the San Diego Fire Department described the morning fog as so dense “you could barely see in front of you.”
Although no fatalities occurred in the local area, eight individuals were hospitalised for smoke inhalation and non-critical injuries, including one person injured while escaping through a window, stated police officer Anthony Carrasco.
Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group, and two of his colleagues were among the casualties, the music agency confirmed. Sound Talent Group has managed acts such as American pop sensation Hanson, singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton, and Canadian rockers Sum 41.
Shapiro was also the owner of 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.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, six individuals were on board the aircraft. Authorities were still scouring the scene and retrieving the bodies before releasing an official count and identifying the deceased, though it was believed there were no survivors from the flight.
Williams shared on his Instagram on Wednesday afternoon that he was getting on the plane with Shapiro. The Devil Wears Prada paid tribute to Williams on their Instagram page, writing: “No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever,”.
Friends and followers have been honouring him on social media. One user took to Twitter/X before any official confirmation, writing: “Rest Easy, Daniel.”
Another posted: “Rest in Peace Dave Shapiro, Daniel Williams, and everyone on that flight.”
One heartfelt message read: “Some of my very first shows were booked through Dave. I had a handful of shows with Daniel, always a pleasure to see him play. Gone way too soon.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
