What began as an ordinary night in a peaceful San Diego neighborhood ended in devastation when a private jet came crashing down, igniting a massive fire and leaving two people dead.
Among those feared to have perished is Daniel Williams, a former drummer for the Christian metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada.
A Final Journey Captured on Social Media
Just hours before the crash, 39-year-old Williams shared moments from his private jet experience on Instagram.
One photo showed him inside the cockpit of a Cessna 550, jokingly captioning it, “Here we gooooo.”
Another image featured him at the controls, referring to himself as the “co-pilot now.”
Williams had boarded the flight at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey late Wednesday night.
The small airport, located just six miles from Manhattan, is a popular hub for celebrities and executives flying private.
The Flight Path and Tragic End
Flight records show the jet—identified by tail number N666DS—left New Jersey at 11:15 p.m. ET, made a fuel stop in Wichita, Kansas, and continued toward San Diego’s Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport.
But just before reaching its final destination around 4 a.m. PT, the jet crashed into a residential military housing community, engulfing homes and cars in flames and triggering a chaotic scene.
Who Was on Board?
Williams, who lived in San Diego and had transitioned into a software engineering career after leaving the band in 2016, was reportedly flying with music agent and pilot Dave Shapiro.
Authorities confirmed that both individuals on board were killed.
It remains unclear if Williams was actively co-piloting the aircraft.
NBC San Diego also reported that eight others were injured, though their exact circumstances are still under investigation.
Tributes Pour In from the Music Community
Friends and fellow musicians expressed their sorrow online.
Music executive Terrance Coughlin posted, “Rest in peace Dave Shapiro, Daniel Williams, and everyone on that flight… Gone way too soon.”
Music producer Ryan Bruce shared a touching image of Williams and Shapiro on Instagram, captioned with “Rest easy” and heart emojis.
Music agent Tony Cappocchi, a friend of Shapiro’s, described him as “a great friend of ours.”
The Devastation on the Ground
The crash had a terrifying impact on the neighborhood.
At least ten houses were damaged or destroyed, and vehicles on both sides of the street caught fire.
A family of five was hospitalized for smoke inhalation, and several others suffered injuries trying to escape the blaze.
First responders rushed to the scene, rescuing people and even saving animals—three husky puppies were pulled from the area in a wagon.
A Scene of Horror and Heroism
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl described the scene as “horrific,” saying the jet fuel had flooded the street, and fires were burning everywhere.
Residents, many in their pajamas, gathered in nearby parking lots as more than 50 officers helped evacuate homes. Around 100 residents were taken to a nearby elementary school for shelter.
Fog and Possible Power Line Collision
San Diego Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy confirmed that dense fog blanketed the area at the time of the crash.
Investigators are also exploring whether the plane clipped a power line before it went down.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, with support from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
A History of Air Tragedies in San Diego
Sadly, this isn’t the first time the region has experienced such a disaster. In October 2021, a plane crash killed both the pilot and a UPS driver on the ground.
And in December 2008, a U.S. Marine jet crashed into a home, killing four family members.
What Happens Next?
As authorities continue to investigate the cause of this tragic crash, the community is left picking up the pieces.
Officials will be reviewing flight data, pilot experience, weather conditions, and any signs of mechanical failure.
Meanwhile, the music world mourns the loss of two beloved figures, and the San Diego neighborhood begins the long road to recovery.