All Victims Identified in Deadly San Diego Plane Crash

UPDATE (May 23, 2025): Federal officials have confirmed that all six people on board the private plane that crashed into a San Diego neighborhood Thursday morning have now been identified.

The victims include Dave Shapiro, 42, co-founder of the Sound Talent Group, and Daniel Williams, former drummer for the band The Devil Wears Prada. The other four individuals have been named as Kendall Fortner and Emma Huke—both booking assistants for Sound Talent Group—along with Shapiro’s friend Dominic Damien and professional photographer Celina Kenyon.

The plane, a Cessna Citation II, was flying from New Jersey to San Diego when it clipped power lines and crashed into a military housing area just two miles from Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. The crash ignited a house and several vehicles, forcing nearly 100 residents to evacuate. Thankfully, no one on the ground was seriously hurt.

During a Friday afternoon press conference, Dan Baker of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed that there were no survivors on board and no ground fatalities. He said the pilot did not report any mechanical issues or declare an emergency before the crash.

Investigators have recovered key data, including flight track information, air traffic control audio, and automated surveillance data. Notably, the runway lights and approach lighting systems at Montgomery Airport were out of service at the time of the incident.

Dave Shapiro was listed as the registered owner of the aircraft and held a pilot’s license, though it has not yet been confirmed if he was flying the plane.

Sound Talent Group released a statement following the crash, saying:

“We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues, and friends. Our hearts go out to their families and everyone impacted by this tragedy. We appreciate your respect for their privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”

Williams had shared Instagram stories shortly before the crash, showing himself on board the plane and sitting beside Shapiro in the co-pilot’s seat. Following news of the crash, his former band posted a tribute on social media, saying, “No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.”

The NTSB is still investigating the cause of the crash. Witnesses reported that the area was blanketed in heavy fog at the time, which may have been a factor. The final report could take several months.