On the early morning of May 22, 2025, a Cessna Citation II aircraft crashed into the Murphy Canyon neighborhood of San Diego, California, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals aboard. The crash occurred around 3:45 a.m. PDT, causing significant damage to at least ten homes and prompting the evacuation of approximately 100 residents. Miraculously, no fatalities occurred on the ground, though several individuals sustained injuries and were hospitalized.
Victims Identified
The victims included: Dave Shapiro (42): A prominent music agent and co-founder of Sound Talent Group, Shapiro was also a licensed pilot and the owner of the aircraft. He had a background as a drummer in the band Count the Stars before transitioning into artist management. Daniel Williams (39): Former drummer of the metal band The Devil Wears Prada.
Emma L. Huke (25): Booking associate at Sound Talent Group.
Kendall Fortner (24): Booking associate at Sound Talent Group.
Celina Kenyon (36): Photographer.
Dominic Damian: A friend of the other passengers.
Circumstances Leading to the Crash
The aircraft departed from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey and made a fueling stop in Wichita, Kansas, before heading to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego.Upon approach, the pilot encountered heavy fog and poor visibility. Notably, the airport's runway lights and weather alert systems were inoperative due to a power surge, leaving the pilot without essential visual cues. Despite these challenging conditions, the pilot attempted to land using weather data from the nearby Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, which reported calm winds, half-mile visibility, and a 200-foot ceiling. Audio recordings reveal the pilot acknowledging the adverse situation, stating, “Doesn’t sound great but we’ll give it a go.”
As the plane neared the airport, it struck high-tension power lines approximately two miles southeast, causing a loss of control. The aircraft then crashed into the residential area, igniting fires that led to the evacuation of nearby homes. A preliminary investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicates that the absence of functioning runway lights and weather systems significantly contributed to the crash.
Investigation and Ongoing Efforts
The NTSB has dispatched investigators to the crash site to determine the exact cause of the accident. Preliminary findings suggest that the lack of operational airport lighting and weather systems, combined with the pilot's decision to proceed under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) in challenging conditions, played a pivotal role in the tragedy. The investigation will also examine the aircraft's maintenance records, pilot qualifications, and environmental factors. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, with a final report anticipated in 12 to 24 months
Community Impact and Response
The crash has deeply affected the San Diego community, particularly the Murphy Canyonneighborhood, where the incident occurred. Local authorities and emergency servicesresponded promptly, managing evacuations and providing assistance to affected residents.The incident has also raised concerns about the maintenance and reliability of airportinfrastructure, prompting discussions about necessary improvements to prevent similartragedies in the future
Note: This article is based on information available as of May 25, 2025. For the latest developments,please consult official source
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