Daniel Williams, a former drummer for the Christian metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada, was among six people killed in a devastating plane crash early Thursday in San Diego.

According to the Christian Post, the incident occurred when a 1985 Cessna 550 struck power lines in a residential neighborhood near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, igniting fires, damaging multiple homes, injuring eight on the ground, and prompting a federal investigation.

Williams, 39, had shared images on his Instagram story from the co-pilot’s seat shortly before the flight departed, captioning one of the photos, “Here we goooooo.” The aircraft originated from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, made a stop in Wichita, Kansas, and continued west before the crash.

Also killed in the crash was Dave Shapiro, 42, a well-known music agent and co-founder of Sound Talent Group. Shapiro had been a licensed pilot since 2005, and the plane, registered to an Alaska-based company named Daviator, appeared to be connected to him, blending his name with the word “aviator.”

Authorities have not disclosed who was piloting the aircraft at the time it went down around 3:45 a.m. local time. The private jet was in the process of landing when it collided with power lines and crashed into the neighborhood.

Crash Leads to Widespread Damage and Injuries

The accident sparked fires and affected approximately ten homes in the neighborhood surrounding the airport. Eight people on the ground suffered injuries from fuel exposure and flying debris, according to early reports.

All six individuals on board died, though official identifications have not yet been released by authorities. However, Sound Talent Group confirmed that Shapiro was among the deceased, and tributes for both men have been pouring in across social media from the rock and metal music communities.

The Devil Wears Prada posted a message in honor of Williams, saying, “No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever,” alongside a photo of him behind his drum set.

Weather and Safety Systems Under Scrutiny

Federal authorities are now investigating multiple contributing factors to the crash. Dan Baker of the National Transportation Safety Board confirmed that the airport's automated weather system was not working at the time of the crash.

Furthermore, The New York Times reported that runway approach lights were out of service when the crash happened. These missing navigational aids may have made landing especially difficult, given the dense fog at the time.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the NTSB are jointly investigating, with attention focused on weather conditions, aircraft maintenance records, and pilot credentials. The timeline for an official cause could take months to complete, officials warned.

Williams’ Career and Personal History Remembered

Williams co-founded The Devil Wears Prada in 2005 in Dayton, Ohio. As part of the band, he became known for his intense drumming style and contributed to their rise in the Christian metalcore genre before leaving the group in 2016.

After stepping away from touring, Williams pivoted into technology, becoming a software architect at GoPro and launching a yoga app. He also survived the 2019 Dayton mass shooting, an event that left nine people dead and brought national attention to the Ohio city.

Friends and fans have highlighted Williams’ resilience and his continuous creative pursuits. His impact on both music and technology is being celebrated by former bandmates, colleagues, and fans alike.

Dave Shapiro’s Legacy in Music and Aviation

Before becoming a major music industry figure, Dave Shapiro played drums in Count the Stars, a punk rock band. He later transitioned into management and went on to represent acts including Sum 41, Hanson, and Pierce the Veil.

Relocating from upstate New York to San Diego, Shapiro built a powerhouse talent agency and co-founded both Sound Talent Group and the National Independent Talent Organization to aid artists, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

His passion for flying also led him to create Velocity Aviation, offering flight training and aerial tours. According to the company's website, he had amassed thousands of flight hours and logged over a million miles in the air.

Community Grieves and Awaits Answers

As the investigation into the crash continues, community members and colleagues mourn the loss of both men. The music world has reacted with shock and sadness, remembering Williams and Shapiro not only for their professional achievements but also for their kindness and inspiration.

No timeline has been given for when authorities will name all victims or conclude their inquiries into the crash. In the meantime, fans and loved ones continue to honor the legacies left behind by Williams and Shapiro.

The NTSB and FAA are expected to release preliminary findings in the coming weeks. Full investigative reports, however, may not be made public until several months from now.