Tragedy struck the alternative and heavy music communities early Thursday morning when a private plane carrying six people, including industry trailblazer Dave Shapiro, crashed near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. Officials have now released the names of the victims, shedding light on the lives lost in the accident.
Shapiro, 42, was a co-founder of Sound Talent Group, an influential agency representing acts like PARKWAY DRIVE, PIERCE THE VEIL, SUM 41, and even Vanessa Carlton. Revered for his role in propelling underground punk and hardcore into the mainstream, Shapiro‘s loss has sent shockwaves through the music world.
The doomed flight, a Cessna 550 Citation registered to Shapiro‘s Alaska-based Daviator LLC, was attempting to land around 4 AM when it clipped power lines and crashed into a neighborhood just two miles from the airport. The plane encountered dense fog, and investigators have confirmed that the airport’s runway lights were turned off due to a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) in effect at the time. According to preliminary reports, the pilot acknowledged the poor visibility over live ATC recordings but decided to proceed with the landing attempt.
Tragically, all six people on board were killed. Alongside Shapiro were two young Sound Talent Group booking associates—24-year-old Kendall Fortner and 25-year-old Emma Huke—who were seen as rising stars within the agency. Daniel Williams, 38, a former drummer for THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA during the band’s breakout years, also perished in the crash.
Celina Marie Rose Kenyon, a 36-year-old professional photographer and mother, had boarded the flight in hopes of returning home in time to take her daughter to school. Though not directly affiliated with Sound Talent Group, Kenyon was a close friend to many on board. Dominic Christopher Damian, 41, a respected martial artist in the San Diego community, was the sixth victim.
While no serious injuries were reported on the ground, the crash has left a lasting scar on the local community and the broader music world. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a full investigation, which is expected to take up to a year. Early indications suggest that the combination of thick fog, inoperative runway lights, and the pilot’s decision to attempt the landing were contributing factors.
As the investigation continues, friends, family, and fans across the globe are mourning the loss of Dave Shapiro and his companions. Tributes have been pouring in from artists and industry leaders alike, highlighting the profound impact Shapiro had on shaping the modern alternative and heavy music landscape.
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.