San Diego Plane Crash: Six Dead After Private Jet Slams into Murphy Canyon Homes
May 23, 2025
In the early hours of Thursday, May 22, 2025, a private Cessna 550 Citation II jet crashed into the Murphy Canyon neighborhood of San Diego, California, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals aboard and causing significant damage to the residential area. The crash occurred at approximately 3:45 a.m. local time, as the aircraft was approaching Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport under dense fog conditions.
Victims Identified
Among the deceased were Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group, and Daniel Williams, former drummer of the band The Devil Wears Prada. Shapiro, a licensed pilot, owned the aircraft and was operating it at the time of the crash. The jet had departed from Teterboro, New Jersey, with a scheduled fuel stop in Wichita, Kansas, before heading to San Diego.
Impact on the Community
The crash led to the destruction of one home and damage to at least ten others in the Murphy Canyon area, which is known for its military housing. Approximately 100 residents were evacuated due to the ensuing fires and potential hazards from jet fuel spillage. Eight individuals on the ground sustained minor injuries, including smoke inhalation and injuries incurred during evacuation efforts.
Investigation Underway
Preliminary reports from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicate that the aircraft clipped power lines approximately two miles southeast of the airport before crashing into a residence. The dense fog present at the time of the incident is being considered a contributing factor. No distress signals were reported prior to the crash.
Community Response
Emergency services responded promptly, extinguishing fires and assisting with evacuations. The San Diego Humane Society was also on the scene, aiding in the rescue and decontamination of pets affected by the crash. Local officials have expressed their condolences and are providing support to those impacted by this tragedy.
As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of life and begins the process of recovery from this devastating event.
Watch: Live Coverage of the Crash Aftermath
Source: YouTube / NBC San Diego – used under standard embed permission.