The metalcore music community is reeling from the tragic loss of Daniel Williams, former drummer of the Ohio-based band The Devil Wears Prada, who perished in a plane crash in San Diego, California, on May 22, 2025. The early Thursday morning incident claimed the lives of all six passengers aboard a Cessna Citation II aircraft, including prominent music industry figure Dave Shapiro, sending shockwaves through the band’s fanbase and the broader music world.
The crash occurred at approximately 3:45 AM Pacific Time when the Cessna Citation II, registered as N666DS and owned by Dave Shapiro under Daviation LLC, struck a power line in San Diego’s Murphy Canyon neighborhood, just two miles south of Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that all six individuals aboard perished, though no ground fatalities were reported. The impact sparked a fierce fire that damaged multiple homes and vehicles, prompting the evacuation of over 100 residents.
Heavy fog and low visibility—reduced to about half a mile—likely contributed to the accident. Assistant Fire Department Chief Dan Eddy described the conditions as treacherous, noting that “you could barely see in front of you.” The aircraft, which had departed from Teterboro Airport near New York City and refueled in Wichita, Kansas, was likely operating under instrument flight rules due to the adverse weather.
Among the victims was Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group and the pilot of the plane. Shapiro was a respected industry veteran whose loss, alongside Williams and the other passengers, marks a significant blow to the music community. The National Independent Talent Organization mourned Shapiro’s death, praising his pivotal role in supporting artists and sustaining the live music industry, particularly during the pandemic.
Daniel Williams was a founding member of The Devil Wears Prada, serving as their drummer from 2005 to 2016. During his tenure, the band achieved remarkable success, including two top 10 Billboard 200 entries with the Zombie EP (2010) and Dead Throne (2011), as well as chart-topping releases like With Roots Above and Branches Below (2009). His powerful drumming was a cornerstone of the band’s aggressive yet melodic metalcore sound, cementing their status as genre leaders in the 2010s.
After Williams left in 2016, Giuseppe Capolupo took over as drummer, and the band evolved, releasing albums like The Act (2019) and Color Decay (2022). Though their Christian metalcore roots faded, The Devil Wears Prada’s influence endured, bolstered by Williams’ foundational contributions.
The Devil Wears Prada revealed Williams’ death via Instagram with emotional messages paying tribute to their deceased former band member. The metalcore scene and wider music community reacted with profound sadness as the death of Shapiro compounded the tragedy.
Daniel Williams’ legacy can also be felt through The Devil Wears Prada’s discography, which still influences fans and musicians today. The dual loss of Shapiro and other music industry professionals is a sobering reminder of the level of commitment it takes to perpetuate the live music experience.
The community laments while remembering the legacy of those lost as the investigations continue.
