7 Astonishing Facts : San Diego Plane Crash Turns Morning into a Scene of Sadness and Tragedy

San Diego Plane Crash Pre Context

A private jet carrying a music talent agent and five other people crashed near San Diego on a cloudy Thursday morning. The plane hit electricity wires, a home, and caught fire, killing a number of individuals on board.

There was a massive fire because of the crash. Jet fuel splashed across the streets and set automobiles on fire nearby. The thunderous crash and blasts woke up people living in a U.S. Navy housing area before 4 a.m. They witnessed a wall of fire when they looked outside.

“It’s hard to even put into words. “Seeing the jet fuel run through the streets and everything burning at once was scary,” said Scott Wahl, the chief of police in San Diego.
No one in the vicinity died, thank goodness. Eight individuals were hospitalized due to breathing in smoke and sustaining minor injuries, with one among them getting hurt while attempting to climb out through a window to escape.

Included in the list of those who lost their lives were Dave Shapiro, one of the founders of Sound Talent Group, along with two members of his team. The agency represented artists like pop band Hanson, singer Vanessa Carlton, and Canadian rock band Sum 41. Hanson is known for their hit song “MMMBop.” Shapiro also owned Velocity Records.

Short Brief about Sound Talent Group

Sound Talent Group (STG) is an independent music agency founded in 2018 by industry veterans Dave Shapiro, Tim Borror, and Matt Andersen. With over 100 years of combined experience, the agency offers dynamic representation to a diverse roster of more than 400 artists across various genres. STG’s clients include renowned acts such as Pierce The Veil, Lamb of God, Sum 41, Vanessa Carlton, and The Devil Wears Prada.

Headquartered in El Cajon, California, with additional offices in New York City, Nashville, and San Diego, STG combines the expertise and resources of a large firm with the personalized attention of a boutique agency. The company is committed to fostering long-term relationships with artists, emphasizing creativity, collaboration, and a family-like atmosphere. In addition to artist representation, STG is involved in various aspects of the music industry, including tour marketing and management.

“We are heartbroken by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues, and friends. Our thoughts are with their families and everyone affected by this tragedy,” the agency said in a statement.

According to the FAA, six people were on board. Authorities were still working at the crash site to recover bodies and identify the victims. It’s believed no one on the plane survived.

Earlier that day, former drummer of the metal band The Devil Wears Prada, Daniel Williams, had posted on Instagram that he was flying with Shapiro. The band later paid tribute to him online, writing, “We owe you everything. We will love you forever.”

The plane, a 1985 Cessna 550, was torn to pieces. According to NTSB investigator Elliott Simpson, debris—such as a portion of the aircraft’s wing—was discovered scattered beneath power lines and across residential backyards.

Massive Damage to the Neighborhood
The home struck by the jet suffered total destruction, with its front section badly scorched and the roof caving in partially. About 10 other homes in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood, one of the Navy’s largest housing areas, were also damaged.

Ben McCarty and his wife, who lived in the house that was struck, described the horror of the moment. “My wife screamed ‘Fire!’” McCarty, a Navy veteran with 13 years of service, shared. As he ran toward the front of the house, he saw the roof caving in and fire blocking the exit. He grabbed his kids and dogs, and with help from neighbors, escaped over the backyard fence.

The plane struck and incinerated both vehicles belonging to the couple. “It threw my truck right into our living room,” he said.

Cars up and down the block were left as charred shells. One car burned so badly it sent smoke into the sky for hours.

Resident Arya Watterworth woke to a loud “boom” and saw a giant fireball. She called out desperately for assistance, and firefighters came to rescue her, her two children, and their dog. One of their vehicles was entirely ruined, while the other suffered significant damage. Their yard was littered with plane debris, broken glass, and rubble.

Wanna read more of our articles