Jet accident claims life of music agent in San Diego: Private jet collides with residential area, resulting in fatalities, including a notable agent in the music industry.
Private Jet Crash in San Diego Neighborhood Claims Lives of Five Music Industry Professionals
In a tragic early-morning accident on Thursday, a private jet hit a power line in foggy conditions and crashed into a residential neighborhood in San Diego, causing multiple fatalities. The jet's fuel ignited vehicles on the street, shaking the U.S. Navy-owned housing area awake around 4 a.m.
The severely damaged home, now engulfed in flames, was a total loss. Adjacent properties sustained damage, and half a dozen residents were hospitalized for smoke inhalation and non-life-threatening injuries, including a resident who climbed through a window to escape. Thankfully, no neighborhood residents perished in the incident.
Authorities reported that six individuals were on board the aircraft. Although the identities of all victims have not been officially confirmed, music industry agent Dave Shapiro and three employees of his agency, Sound Talent Group, are among the deceased. Sound Talent Group is known for representing acts such as American pop band Hanson, American singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton, and Canadian rock group Sum 41.
Shapiro, a 42-year-old entrepreneur, was also a pilot and the owner of Velocity Aviation. Daniel Williams, former drummer for the metal band The Devil Wears Prada, was another victim on board. The band paid tribute to Williams on their Instagram page, expressing their sorrow for his loss.
Due to the ongoing investigation, the number of fatalities and the official identification of the victims has not yet been released.
The residents of the struck home, Ben McCarty and his wife, described feeling heat all around them and watching as their roof collapsed and flames blocked their exit. They managed to escape with their children and pets, with neighbors' help.
A neighbor, Ariya Waterworth, woke up to a "whooshing sound" and a fireball outside, helping her evacuate with her two children and the family dog. Her vehicle was "completely disintegrated," while another sustained extensive damage. The yard was littered with pieces of the aircraft, broken glass, and debris.
At least 100 residents were evacuated from the area due to jet fuel spilling onto the streets. The toxic fumes persisted throughout the day, and authorities expressed uncertainty about when it would be safe for residents to return.
The vehicle collision investigation team from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to spend the next two days examining the crash site for evidence. The Federal Aviation Administration reported that the jet originated from Teterboro Airport, New Jersey, and made a fuel stop in Wichita, Kansas, before traveling to San Diego.
This tragedy bears similarities to past aviation incidents in San Diego, such as the 2021 crash of a twin-engine plane that killed a UPS driver and the 2008 crash of a Marine Corps fighter jet that resulted in four fatalities.
References:[1] Associated Press. (2023, MM/DD/YYYY). Private Jet Crash in San Diego Neighborhood Kills Music Talent Agent and Others. Retrieved MM/DD/YYYY from
- The weather conditions in San Diego, with fog playing a role in the private jet crash, raised questions about transportation safety.
- The housing area around the accident site in San Diego experienced damage and evacuations due to car-accidents triggered by the jet's fuel the day following the crash.
- The tragic private jet crash in San Diego not only affected the music industry, but also contributed to the general news headlines intensifying the week's crime-and-justice discussions.
- A celebrity, Daniel Williams, formerly of the band 'The Devil Wears Prada', was among the victims of the private jet accident, leaving the entertainment world in shock.
- The ongoing investigation into the private jet crash in San Diego suggests similarities to previous air incidents in the city, bringing urgent attention to transportation and safety concerns in weather-affected areas.
