Tragic Plane Crash Claims Six Lives in San Diego

Emergency responders working at the crash site of a plane that tragically went down in San Diego.

News Summary

A tragic plane crash in a San Diego neighborhood resulted in the deaths of six individuals shortly after takeoff from New Jersey. The accident occurred in thick fog, complicating visibility as the Cessna Citation 550 aircraft approached for landing. Among the victims was prominent music executive Dave Shapiro, known for his influence in the alternative music scene. This heartbreaking incident has left a significant impact on the community, sparking questions about safety and the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Tragic Plane Crash Claims Six Lives in San Diego

A devastating plane crash occurred in a quiet San Diego neighborhood at around 3:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025, claiming the lives of all six individuals aboard. The incident shook the community and prompted a rapid response as flames from the wreckage reached nearby homes and vehicles.

Who Were the Victims?

Among the deceased was Dave Shapiro, a prominent music executive known for his significant contributions to the industry as a co-founder of Sound Talent Group. At just 42 years old, Shapiro had played an instrumental role in transitioning underground alternative music into the mainstream and had represented well-known bands such as Sum 41 and Pierce The Veil.

The other victims included Emma L. Huke, aged 25, Celina Marie Rose Kenyon at 36, Kendall Fortner, 24, and former drummer of the metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada, Daniel Williams, and 41-year-old Dominic Damian. Each had unique personal stories and relationships with Shapiro, which made this tragedy all the more heartbreaking.

Celina Kenyon was a professional photographer who chose this private flight to ensure she could make it home in time for her daughter’s school commitments. Emma Huke and Kendall Fortner were young booking associates at Sound Talent Group, having pursued their passion for music right out of college.

The Crash Details

The aircraft involved was a Cessna Citation 550, and it had just taken off from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey around 11:15 p.m. local time the night before, with a fueling stop in Wichita, Kansas. On that fateful night, poor visibility due to thick fog complicated the landing process at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, where runway lights were malfunctioning, and the weather alert system was down.

Although the pilot, who was also the registered owner of the plane, didn’t declare any emergency conditions prior to the crash, investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) later reported that the aircraft struck high-tension power lines before ultimately crashing. This led to immediate chaos, with flames engulfing nearby homes and vehicles, prompting the evacuation of over 100 residents.

Aftermath and Investigation

Amidst the debris, thankfully, no individuals on the ground faced severe injuries, though eight people nearby were reported to have minor injuries from the incident. The scene was chaotic as first responders worked diligently to assess the situation and ensure the safety of those who had to evacuate.

As part of their commitment to understanding what led to this tragic accident, investigators are now assessing the pilot’s qualifications, training, flight history, maintenance of the aircraft, and the environmental conditions that contributed to the poor visibility at the time of the crash. A preliminary investigation report is expected in the coming weeks, with a more comprehensive final report potentially taking one to two years.

Community Impact

This heartbreaking incident has left a significant mark not only on the families and friends who lost loved ones but also on the wider community that admired Shapiro’s work. His legacy in the music industry and the connection he fostered with various artists will be remembered.

In this time of grief and reflection, the San Diego community stands together as they mourn the lives lost and question what could have been done differently during those critical moments leading up to the unfortunate crash.