Remembering Kendall Fortner: Rising Star in the Music Industry Among Victims in Tragic San Diego Plane Crash

San Diego, CA – May 24, 2025 — As investigators continue to probe the tragic private jet crash that claimed six lives in the early morning hours of May 22, one of the victims, Kendall Fortner, is being remembered by friends, family, and industry colleagues as a rising force in the music business — a passionate and driven professional whose legacy is already resonating far beyond the confines of her brief but impactful career.

Fortner, an employee of Sound Talent Group, was aboard the ill-fated Cessna Citation jet that crashed into the Murphy Canyon neighborhood of San Diego shortly after takeoff from Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. The crash, which occurred around 3:45 a.m., set fire to more than a dozen homes and sent shockwaves through the local community and the music world alike. There were no survivors on board.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Kendall Fortner was known by those closest to her as an energetic, thoughtful, and fiercely determined young woman who had found her calling in the music industry. After earning a degree in music business, she quickly made a name for herself with a deep understanding of artist development, tour logistics, and industry trends. Those who worked alongside her say her rise in the notoriously competitive talent management world was fueled not by ego or ambition alone, but by an authentic love for music and an unrelenting desire to help others succeed.

“She wasn’t just good at her job — she lived it,” said colleague and friend Jenna Lewis. “Kendall had an incredible ear for new talent and a heart big enough to champion them through every step of the journey. She believed in artists when no one else would. She gave people a shot.”

At Sound Talent Group, Fortner quickly became a key part of the agency’s mission to bring emerging and underrepresented voices to the main stage. Whether it was helping book first-time national tours for indie bands, arranging media opportunities for new acts, or simply offering a supportive presence during high-stress moments on the road, her colleagues say she went above and beyond.

“She had a gift,” said agency co-founder and close mentor Dave Shapiro, who also perished in the crash. “Kendall wasn’t in it for the spotlight — she was there for the music, the people, the stories. She would stay up late working out details for a band’s first show, send thoughtful emails, encourage nervous artists before their performances. That kind of care is rare in this business.”

News of Fortner’s death has devastated those who knew her and stunned many in the industry. Tributes have poured in from artists, agents, and former classmates, with many taking to social media to share memories and express grief. Several musicians she helped book for their early shows have called her “a guardian angel” and “the first person who believed in me.”

A memorial fund has already been established in Fortner’s name, aiming to support young women pursuing careers in music management and production. The fund’s organizers say they hope to carry forward her mission of inclusivity and opportunity in an industry where breaking in can be particularly hard for newcomers and women.

“She was the person who made you feel like your dreams mattered,” said Amber Torres, a singer-songwriter who worked with Fortner early in her career. “Even if you were playing a half-empty venue, Kendall made you feel like you were at Madison Square Garden. She made artists feel seen.”

Fortner was just 29 years old.

Family members described her as a vibrant, tenacious, and compassionate soul. In a statement shared by her parents, they wrote:

“Kendall lit up every room she walked into. She approached life with passion, resilience, and love — for music, for people, for justice. She gave everything to the artists she worked with, and she gave everything to us. We are shattered by this loss, but we know that Kendall’s light will continue to shine through the many lives she touched.”

In addition to Fortner and Shapiro, the crash also claimed the lives of Emma Huke, another Sound Talent Group employee; Dominic Damian, a friend of Shapiro’s; photographer Celina Kenyon; British national Lew Brown; and drummer Daniel Williams, formerly of The Devil Wears Prada.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. While the official cause has not yet been determined, early reports suggest weather and potential pilot disorientation may have been contributing factors. The aircraft was reportedly en route to Las Vegas when it went down.

As the music world continues to mourn the loss of six bright souls, the memory of Kendall Fortner stands out as a symbol of what the industry can be at its best: passionate, inclusive, and driven by love for the art and the artists.

Plans are underway for a public memorial service in Los Angeles, where Fortner had recently relocated for her job. A digital tribute page, filled with photos, testimonials, and messages of condolence, is already drawing thousands of visitors.

“Her story may have ended too soon,” said longtime friend and band manager Chris Delgado, “but her impact will echo for years to come. Kendall built something beautiful — not with bricks and mortar, but with kindness, loyalty, and belief in people. That’s the legacy she leaves behind.”

Donations to the Kendall Fortner Memorial Fund can be made at [website link].
If you have information about the crash, contact the NTSB tip line at 1-800-835-5322.