Creative Souls Lost: Photographer Celina Kenyon and Devoted Friend Dominic Damian Among San Diego Jet Crash Victims, Remembered for Their Quiet Impact on the Music World

San Diego, CA – May 24, 2025 — As authorities work to finalize details and confirm the full identities of those killed in the tragic private jet crash that rocked the Murphy Canyon neighborhood on May 22, two more names have emerged among the six lives lost: Dominic Damian, a close friend of Sound Talent Group’s co-founder Dave Shapiro, and Celina Kenyon, a gifted photographer known in the music world for her striking images of live performances and portraits of rising artists.

While early reports created some confusion regarding whether Damian and Kenyon were two distinct individuals or possibly the same person due to overlapping identifiers in initial manifests, officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have now confirmed they were indeed two separate victims. Both were onboard the Cessna Citation jet that went down shortly after departing Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in the early hours of the morning.

The crash, which occurred at approximately 3:45 a.m., sent shockwaves through the San Diego area, setting fire to at least 15 homes in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood and forcing dozens to evacuate. Though there were no fatalities on the ground, all six people onboard the plane tragically lost their lives.

Among them was Dominic Damian, a longtime friend and personal confidant of Dave Shapiro, the flight’s presumed pilot. Damian, described by friends as a quiet yet deeply loyal figure, had often accompanied Shapiro on trips and supported the music scene in a more behind-the-scenes capacity. Though not directly affiliated with Sound Talent Group in an official role, Damian was a fixture at live shows, tour meet-ups, and backstage gatherings, where his presence was warmly felt by artists and agents alike.

“Dom was someone who truly understood friendship,” said music agent and longtime family friend Marcus Velez. “He didn’t seek the spotlight. He wasn’t trying to build a brand or be known — he just cared. About his friends, about music, about being there for the people he loved. He had a grounding presence that brought calm and kindness wherever he went.”

Damian’s background was rooted in Southern California. He had studied psychology before shifting into creative and hospitality circles, where he developed a reputation for his level-headed nature and unwavering dependability. Though his public footprint was small, the outpouring of grief from those who knew him privately paints the picture of a man whose impact ran deep.

Celina Kenyon, on the other hand, was well known in creative and music circles as an up-and-coming photographer whose dynamic visuals had been featured by indie record labels, tour blogs, and artist portfolios across the U.S. Based in Los Angeles, Kenyon carved a name for herself through vivid, emotionally resonant photographs that captured the raw energy of live performance — as well as the quiet, human side of touring life in behind-the-scenes portraits.

“She had this rare ability to freeze a moment that felt alive,” said singer-songwriter Jules Mercado, one of many artists who worked with Kenyon. “You could see the sweat, the light, the emotion — like you were back in the crowd just by looking at her images. She gave artists something to hold on to.”

Kenyon’s work extended beyond concerts. She frequently volunteered her time with youth arts organizations, taught photography workshops, and mentored young creatives trying to find their footing in the music world. Friends described her as passionate and deeply generous, always willing to offer advice, share gear, or take last-minute jobs to help artists stay visible in a crowded industry.

“She didn’t just take pictures — she told stories,” said fellow photographer Jordan Wu. “She saw people. Especially emerging artists who didn’t have press or money or exposure — she gave them a visual identity when no one else was looking.”

At just 31 years old, Kenyon had already amassed a sizable portfolio and was working on a collaborative project documenting the lives of touring musicians across the U.S. Her final social media post, shared just days before the crash, showed an artist under dramatic stage lighting, with the caption: “Every show is a story. I’m just lucky to be part of telling it.”

In addition to Kenyon and Damian, the other victims of the crash have been confirmed as:

• Dave Shapiro, a prominent music talent agent and co-founder of Sound Talent Group
• Kendall Fortner, a rising figure in artist development at Sound Talent Group
• Emma Huke, a respected tour logistics and planning expert at the agency
• Daniel Williams, former drummer of the metal band The Devil Wears Prada
• Lew Brown, a British national from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, who had been residing in Blackpool

The NTSB continues to investigate the crash. While the official cause has yet to be released, early findings suggest that spatial disorientation and adverse weather conditions may have played a role. The cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorders have been recovered and are being analyzed.

As the music and creative communities come to terms with this devastating loss, tributes to both Damian and Kenyon have emerged across social media. Artists and friends are sharing their favorite photos captured by Kenyon and memories of conversations and moments shared with Damian. Several tribute shows and exhibits are being planned in Los Angeles and San Diego to honor their legacies.

“Dom and Celina weren’t famous,” said artist and friend Keisha Randle. “But they mattered deeply. They were the kind of people who made this messy, chaotic, beautiful world of music feel human. This loss cuts deep.”

Plans for memorial services and tribute projects will be announced by their families in the coming days. In the meantime, both will be remembered not only for their roles in the tragic final flight but for the creative energy, warmth, and loyalty they brought to every life they touched.

If you have any information about the crash, please contact the NTSB tip line at 1-800-835-5322.
Tributes and donations to honor Celina Kenyon’s creative legacy and Dominic Damian’s memory are being organized through [link to be provided by family or representatives].