Tragic Plane Crash in San Diego Claims Six Lives, Including Music Industry Figure

SAN DIEGO -- A private aircraft approaching Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport crashed in a San Diego neighborhood, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals on board. Among the victims was Dave Shapiro, a prominent figure in the alternative music industry known for his role as a co-founder of the Sound Talent Group, which has represented renowned bands like Pierce The Veil and Sum 41.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the music community, particularly within the heavy metal and hard rock genres. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have reported that the crash occurred under challenging conditions, including thick fog, malfunctioning runway lights, and a non-operational weather alert system. It may take up to a year to determine the exact causes of the crash.

While all six occupants of the aircraft tragically lost their lives, fortunate circumstances meant that no injuries were reported among individuals on the ground. The deceased included two aspiring musicians, a photographer, and Shapiro himself, whose contributions to the music scene have been widely acknowledged.

Shapiro, aged 42, was deeply rooted in the music world, having started his journey in high school with a band named Count with Stars. His efforts were instrumental in propelling the underground alternative music scene of the 2010s into the mainstream. Mike Shea, founder of Alternative Press Magazine, remarked on Shapiro's integrity and commitment to fostering a genuine community within the industry.

Investigations revealed that Shapiro was the registered owner of the plane and possessed a pilot's license; however, it has not been disclosed who was piloting at the time of the crash. Among the other victims were 24-year-old Kendall Fortner and 25-year-old Emma Huke, both of whom were recent graduates and had recently joined Shapiro's agency. Fortner developed a passion for music early on, inspired by her father's love for concerts, while Huke had long aspired to work in the music industry. Their contributions to planning tours and managing artists were highly regarded.

Additionally, Daniel Williams, a former drummer for the metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada, was aboard the flight. His time with the band coincided with their rise to prominence, leading to significant success on music charts. Thomas Gutches, a manager in the rock industry, praised Williams for his engaging performance style and the impact he had on audiences.

Another passenger, 36-year-old Celina Marie Rose Kenyon, was noted for her work as a professional photographer. Her father expressed the deep loss felt by family and friends, highlighting her commitment to her profession and her role as a loving mother. Traveling to support friends in the music industry, Kenyon opted for the private flight to ensure she could return home in time for her daughter.

The fifth victim was 41-year-old Dominic Christopher Damian, who was involved in martial arts and was remembered fondly by his community. Memorial events have been held in his honor.

The plane, a Cessna 550 Citation, was en route from New Jersey to San Diego with a scheduled refueling stop in Kansas when it crashed approximately two miles from the airport. Eyewitness reports indicated that the aircraft struck power lines before descending. The pilot had acknowledged poor weather conditions to air traffic control and was reportedly considering diverting to an alternate airport prior to the crash.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that the airport's runway lights were not functioning at the time of the accident, adding to the challenging landing conditions. The fog was so dense that visibility was severely limited.

This tragic incident adds to a concerning trend, as the U.S. has experienced several aviation disasters this year. In January, a collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter resulted in the deadliest crash in over two decades, and multiple other accidents have raised alarms about aviation safety.