Daniel was aboard a small private jet—a Cessna 550—that crashed into a residential neighborhood in San Diego around 4 a.m.
The plane exploded in a fiery ball, captured in chilling doorbell footage that showed the jet bursting into flames after hitting power lines just two miles from the airport.
On board were six people, including Daniel and pilot Dave Shapiro, who was also the co-founder of a music agency and the owner of the plane. Sadly, none survived the crash.
Officials are still investigating and recovering bodies, but it’s clear the tragedy was absolute.
A Journey Documented Online
In the hours before the crash, Daniel shared moments of his journey on Instagram.
One striking photo showed the jet parked at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, with Daniel tagging Dave Shapiro.
Another post showed the plane’s controls with Daniel jokingly writing, “Hey… look at me… I’m the (co)pilot now.”
His last post simply said, “Here we gooooo,” showing him seemingly at the controls—an eerie final glimpse into his final moments.
The Aftermath on the Ground
Thankfully, no one on the ground died, but the crash caused serious damage.
The home the plane struck was completely destroyed, with parts of the roof collapsing and the front burned to ashes.
About 10 other homes were damaged, and several cars caught fire.
Eight people in the neighborhood suffered injuries, including a family of five hospitalized for smoke inhalation and others hurt trying to escape the fire.
A Life Marked by Near Tragedy
Daniel’s death is especially poignant because back in 2019, he survived a horrific mass shooting at the Ned Peppers bar in Dayton, Ohio.
That night, a gunman opened fire, killing nine and injuring many others.
Daniel and a friend were inside the bar and narrowly escaped harm.
He openly shared his experience on social media, expressing how terrified he was and calling for stricter gun control laws, highlighting how the shooting left a lasting impact on him.
Tributes from Friends and the Music World
Following news of the crash, Daniel’s former band and music colleagues expressed their sorrow.
His band wrote simply, “No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.”
Several industry friends shared memories and paid tribute to both Daniel and Dave Shapiro, praising their kindness and influence on the music community.
It’s clear both men were deeply loved and respected.
Details on the Plane and Flight Path
The plane had started its journey at Teterboro Airport near New York City late Wednesday night, with a fuel stop in Wichita, Kansas, before continuing toward San Diego.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are leading the investigation into what caused the crash.
San Diego officials noted that dense fog at the time may have played a role, making visibility extremely poor.
More than 50 police officers quickly responded, evacuated residents, and set up an evacuation center at a nearby school for those displaced by the fire and destruction.
What We Know About the Owner and Pilot
Dave Shapiro, who owned the plane and was a licensed pilot, had recently bought the eight-seater jet last July.
His company, Velocity Aviation, offers private flights, sightseeing tours, and pilot lessons tailored to students.
It remains unclear who was actually flying the plane during the crash, as investigations continue.
Remembering Daniel Williams
After leaving The Devil Wears Prada in 2016, Daniel shifted careers to become a software engineer but remained cherished by fans and friends alike.
His sudden death is a shock to all who knew him, especially after surviving such a frightening ordeal years earlier.
While the full cause of the crash is yet to be determined, what’s clear is that Daniel’s vibrant life and resilience left a lasting impression on many—and that legacy will live on.