The Victims

Among the deceased was Dave Shapiro, 42, a prominent figure in the option music scene and co-founder of Sound Talent Group. The agency represented a diverse roster of artists, from heavy hitters like Pierce The veil, Parkway Drive, and Sum 41 to pop acts such as Vanessa Carlton.

Also among the victims were:

• Kendall Fortner, 24, booking associate at Sound Talent Group
• Emma Huke, 25, booking associate at Sound Talent Group
• Daniel Williams, former drummer for The Devil Wears Prada
• Celina Marie Rose Kenyon, 36, professional photographer
• Dominic Christopher Damian, 41

Dave shapiro: A Legacy in Music

Shapiro’s influence extended far beyond his role as an executive. He began his musical journey in high school with the band Count with Stars. Though, it was his ability to connect with people that truly defined his career.

Mike Shea, founder of Alternative Press Magazine, emphasized Shapiro’s integrity: In this music industry, there are just too many people ripping people off and using people. Dave was not like that.

Shapiro is credited with helping to elevate the underground alternative scene, transforming it from “$10-a-show” gigs to mainstream success. He was also instrumental in fostering a strong sense of community within the industry.

Records indicate Shapiro owned the plane and possessed a pilot’s license. However, authorities have not yet confirmed who was at the controls during the flight.

Rising Stars: Fortner and Huke

Kendall Fortner and Emma Huke,both recent college graduates,had joined Sound Talent Group as booking associates. The agency confirmed their presence on the plane in a statement.

Fortner’s passion for music was ignited by her father, who introduced her to concerts at a young age. Huke, similarly driven, saved diligently to attend concerts and festivals. There was nothing Emma loved more than live music, the agency stated.

Both women were excelling in their roles, contributing to tour planning and other essential tasks.

Daniel Williams: From Metalcore to Memory

Daniel Williams, known for his dynamic drumming, played a pivotal role in the success of The Devil Wears Prada, an Ohio metalcore band. When Williams was in the band,that’s when they broke out, Shea said.

Thomas Gutches,a rock band manager,recalled Williams’ captivating stage presence.Daniel was putting on a show from his style of playing, he said.

During Williams’ tenure,the band achieved critically important commercial success,with two releases reaching the Top 10 of the Billboard 200. The Devil Wears Prada was also a client of Sound Talent Group.

Celina Marie Rose Kenyon: A Photographer’s Passion

Celina Marie Rose Kenyon, a 36-year-old photographer, was also among the victims.While not an employee of Sound Talent Group, she was deeply respected in her field.

Her father, Bryan Charles Feldman, shared that Kenyon was traveling to photograph and support longtime friends. She chose the late-night private flight to return home in time to take her daughter to school.

The world has lost a stunning bright light.
Bryan Charles Feldman,Celina Kenyon’s father

Dominic Christopher Damian: Remembered by His Community

Dominic Christopher Damian,41,was identified as another victim. The Training center, a martial arts school in San diego where Damian trained, announced they would host an open-mat session in his memory.

The Crash: Circumstances and Examination

The Cessna 550 Citation was en route from New Jersey to San Diego, with a planned refueling stop in Kansas. The crash occurred approximately 2 miles (3 kilometers) from San Diego’s Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. While eight people on the ground sustained injuries, none were serious.

According to Dan Baker of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the plane struck power lines before crashing. The investigation could take up to a year to complete.

Audio recordings indicate the pilot acknowledged unfavorable weather conditions and considered diverting to an alternate airport. Doesn’t sound great, but we’ll give it a go, the pilot told the air traffic controller, according an audio recording posted online by LiveATC.net.

Airport Conditions: A Contributing Factor?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had issued a notice regarding inoperative runway lights at the airport.While the pilot did not discuss the runway lights with the controller, he acknowledged awareness of the malfunctioning weather alert system.

Assistant San Diego Fire Department chief Dan Eddy described the fog at the time of the crash as so dense that you could barely see in front of you.

A Troubling Trend in Aviation

This crash is part of a series of aviation incidents in recent months:

• In January, a collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and an Army helicopter in Washington resulted in 67 fatalities.
• Last month, a sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River, killing six.
• In early February, a commuter plane crash in western Alaska claimed 10 lives.
• In late January, a medical transport plane crashed in Philadelphia, killing six on board and two on the ground.