Dave Shapiro, Co-Founder of Sound Talent Group, Dies in San Diego Plane Crash
Dave Shapiro, the 42-year-old co-founder of Sound Talent Group (STG), tragically died on May 22, 2025, when a Cessna 550 private jet crashed into San Diego’s Tierrasanta neighborhood. The crash occurred around 3:45 a.m. local time, killing all six people aboard, including Shapiro, former The Devil Wears Prada drummer Daniel Williams, and two other STG employees. The aircraft had departed from Teterboro, New Jersey, made a stop in Wichita, Kansas, and was approaching Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport when it crashed in dense fog .
The impact ignited a massive fire, destroying several homes and vehicles, and forcing the evacuation of over 100 residents. Despite the extensive damage, no fatalities were reported on the ground .
Shapiro, who was also a licensed pilot and owner of Velocity Aviation, co-founded STG in 2019 with Tim Borror and Matt Andersen. The agency represents a diverse roster of artists, including Sum 41, Pierce the Veil, Lamb of God, Vanessa Carlton, and Hanson . He was also instrumental in founding the National Independent Talent Organization in 2020 to support independent music professionals .
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause of the crash, with early reports suggesting that low visibility due to fog may have played a role .
Tributes from the music community have poured in, honoring Shapiro’s contributions to the industry and his support for artists. A representative from STG expressed deep sorrow, stating, “We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues, and friends. Our hearts go out to their families and to everyone impacted by today’s tragedy” .