Beloved Tour Manager Emma Huke Among Victims of San Diego Plane Crash, Remembered for Her Passion, Professionalism, and Unseen Impact on Live Music

San Diego, CA – May 24, 2025 — As families, friends, and colleagues mourn the six victims lost in the tragic San Diego plane crash that occurred in the early morning hours of May 22, one name stands out in the hearts of many in the live music scene: Emma Huke, a beloved team member at Sound Talent Group whose quiet dedication, exceptional work ethic, and deep passion for live performance made her a rising star behind the scenes.

Emma Huke, 27, was among those killed when a private Cessna Citation jet, en route to Las Vegas, crashed shortly after takeoff near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. The aircraft plummeted into the Murphy Canyon neighborhood at approximately 3:45 a.m., igniting a powerful blaze that destroyed more than a dozen homes and shook the surrounding community. All six passengers aboard were killed in the crash; miraculously, no one on the ground was seriously injured.

A native of Sacramento, California, Huke had moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of working in the music industry. Her journey began with internships and small production gigs before she found her professional home at Sound Talent Group, one of the country’s most respected music booking agencies. There, she quickly rose through the ranks due to her sharp attention to detail, tireless commitment, and an unshakable belief in the power of live music.

“Emma had that rare combination of heart and hustle,” said one colleague. “She could flawlessly organize a coast-to-coast tour with hundreds of moving parts, and she’d still be the first one backstage to cheer on the artists. She was the glue that held everything together.”

Described by her peers as fiercely professional yet endlessly kind, Huke became a vital part of the Sound Talent Group team, managing tour schedules, negotiating bookings, handling logistics, and supporting artists with warmth and determination. Despite the demands of the industry, Huke never lost sight of why she joined in the first place — to help musicians bring their art to audiences across the country.

“Emma loved music, but more than that, she loved what music did for people,” said agency partner Lauren DeWitt. “She believed in the magic of a live show — that moment when the lights dim, the first chord strikes, and the crowd roars. She lived for those moments, even if she was behind the scenes making it all happen.”

Artists she worked with frequently spoke of her steady hand and thoughtful support. One up-and-coming band posted a tribute to social media saying, “Emma was the one who answered our panicked calls at 2 a.m., who made sure we had a van, a hotel, a stage. She never asked for credit, but she made everything possible.”

Her dedication didn’t go unnoticed. In just a few short years, Huke had garnered a reputation across the industry as one of the most dependable and driven tour managers in the business. She was known for her ability to balance the chaos of the road with a calm, collected demeanor, earning not only respect but admiration from artists and colleagues alike.

Family members remember her as equally devoted in her personal life — a loyal friend, a loving daughter, and someone who always went out of her way to support those around her.

“Emma was our light,” said her mother, Karen Huke. “She brought energy, compassion, and a fierce sense of purpose to everything she did. We are devastated beyond words, but we know that she left a mark on the world in the most beautiful way.”

In addition to Huke, the crash claimed the lives of Dave Shapiro, a well-known music talent agent and co-founder of Sound Talent Group; Kendall Fortner, another member of the agency’s team; Dominic Damian, a friend of Shapiro’s; photographer Celina Kenyon; former metal band drummer Daniel Williams; and British national Lew Brown, who had been residing in Blackpool.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues to investigate the cause of the crash. Early findings suggest that inclement weather and potential spatial disorientation of the pilot may have contributed to the tragedy. Flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered, and a preliminary report is expected in the coming weeks.

As the music world reels from the loss, tributes to Huke have emerged from across the country. Several artists she supported are planning to dedicate upcoming shows to her memory. Friends and co-workers are also organizing a scholarship fund in her name, aimed at helping young women enter the live event production field — a testament to Huke’s dedication to mentorship and equality in a male-dominated industry.

“She was the heartbeat of every show she worked on,” said fellow tour manager and close friend Alicia Mendoza. “Even when no one saw it, Emma was there — working, planning, making magic happen. She made things possible for so many of us. Her loss is immeasurable.”

Emma Huke’s story is not just one of a life tragically cut short, but of a young woman who found her passion, lived it to the fullest, and elevated everyone around her in the process.

Her family, friends, and the music community she served so well will remember her not just as an exceptional professional, but as a compassionate, inspiring force who helped keep the lights on and the music playing — even when no one was watching.

A public memorial for Emma Huke will be held in Los Angeles next month. Contributions to the Emma Huke Memorial Scholarship Fund can be made at [website link].
Anyone with information relevant to the crash investigation is urged to contact the NTSB tip line at 1-800-835-5322.