Tragedy in San Diego: Dave Shapiro, Emma Huke, Celina Marie Rose Kenyon, Kendall Fortner, Dominic Damian, and Daniel Williams – A Devastating Plane Crash that Shook the Music and Entertainment Industry
The tragic plane crash that occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood of San Diego has left the community in shock and mourning. The accident, which claimed the lives of six individuals, including music agent Dave Shapiro, booking assistant Emma Huke, and drummer Daniel Williams, former member of the metal band The Devil Wears Prada, has sent ripples of sadness throughout the music and entertainment industry. As federal authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, the community is coming to terms with the loss of six talented and dedicated individuals who were passionate about their work.
The plane, a 1985 Cessna 550 Citation, registered to a company based in Alaska owned by Dave Shapiro, plummeted into the Murphy Canyon community, igniting fires and damaging homes. The impact was so severe that it destroyed one home and damaged several others, leaving a trail of destruction and debris in its wake. The San Diego Fire-Rescue officials described the conditions at the time of the crash as foggy, with visibility significantly reduced, making it difficult for the pilot to navigate.
Dave Shapiro, 42, was a well-known music agent and co-founder of Sound Talent Group, a company that represented several prominent punk and rock bands, including Sum 41 and Pierce the Veil. Shapiro’s passion for music and his dedication to his clients were evident in his work, and his loss is being deeply felt by the music community. Emma Huke, 25, was a booking assistant at Sound Talent Group, and her enthusiasm and energy were an asset to the company. Kendall Fortner, 24, was also employed by the agency, and her colleagues are mourning her loss.
Daniel Williams, 39, the former drummer for The Devil Wears Prada, was a talented musician who had a long history in the music industry. His former bandmates have paid tribute to him on social media, sharing memories of his passion and dedication to music. Dominic Damian, 41, a respected martial artist, worked out of The Training Center in Pacific Beach, and a memorial is scheduled to be held in his local community. Celina Marie Rose Kenyon, 36, a professional photographer, was a devoted mother who chose the late-night private flight to return home early and take her daughter to school. Her family is deeply heartbroken over her loss, describing her as a “bright light” whose absence has left a void in their lives.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) leading the inquiry. The NTSB has revealed that the plane did not have a flight data recorder, and they are still examining whether a cockpit voice recorder had been installed or was functional. The pilot made no distress call or report of issues to air traffic control before the crash, which has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the accident. The NTSB has also noted that runway lights and the airport’s automated weather system were not operational at the time due to a prior power surge, which may have contributed to the crash.
The crash has had a devastating impact on the Murphy Canyon neighborhood, with one home destroyed and several others damaged or set ablaze by the resulting fires. Eight people on the ground were injured, mostly with minor injuries, but the community is still reeling from the shock of the accident. Ben McCarty, a homeowner in the crash zone, believes that his parked truck may have saved his family’s lives by absorbing much of the plane’s impact. He also credited placing their dogs in crates that night for their survival.
In response to the disaster, city and emergency officials closed several streets around the area for investigation and cleanup. Some streets have since reopened, but a few remain blocked to ensure public safety. Local authorities have urged residents who find debris or smell jet fuel in the vicinity to report it. They have also coordinated with the San Diego Humane Society to help reunite pets with owners who had to evacuate suddenly.
The community is coming together to support the families of the victims, with numerous local leaders expressing condolences. The San Diego Police Department lauded the community’s resilience and the collaborative efforts of first responders. Mayor Todd Gloria commended the unified response by city, state, and federal agencies, along with community volunteers, for their swift action in protecting and assisting residents. He assured that the city would support affected families, many of whom are members of San Diego’s military community.
As the investigation into the crash continues, the music and entertainment industry is mourning the loss of six talented individuals who were passionate about their work. Sound Talent Group released a statement expressing their heartbreak over the deaths of their co-founder and colleagues. They extended condolences to the victims’ families and asked for privacy during this painful time.
The tragedy has left a lasting impact on San Diego
