Tragic San Diego Jet Crash Claims Lives of Six Creative Trailblazers — Music Industry Mourns Sound Talent Group Team, Famed Drummer, Beloved Photographer, and British National

San Diego, CA – May 24, 2025 — Federal investigators have officially identified all six individuals who tragically lost their lives in a devastating plane crash that occurred in the early hours of May 22 in San Diego’s Murphy Canyon neighborhood. The victims — a mix of rising music professionals, creatives, and a visiting British national — were aboard a private Cessna Citation jet that crashed shortly after takeoff, igniting fires that damaged more than a dozen homes.

The victims have been confirmed as:

• Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group and a revered music talent agent
• Kendall Fortner, a promising employee at Sound Talent Group known for artist development
• Emma Huke, a tour manager celebrated for her organizational brilliance and passion for live music
• Daniel Williams, former drummer of the metal band The Devil Wears Prada
• Dominic Damian, a close friend of Shapiro and a beloved supporter of the creative community
• Celina Kenyon, a rising photographer acclaimed for capturing the emotion of live music
• Lew Brown, a British national from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, who had been living in Blackpool

Tragedy Strikes at Dawn

At approximately 3:45 a.m. local time, the aircraft departed Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport under overcast skies and poor visibility. Within minutes, it crashed into a residential street in the Murphy Canyon area, erupting into flames and sending neighbors into panic. No one on the ground was killed or seriously injured, but the impact and resulting fires forced dozens of residents to evacuate and left at least 15 homes damaged.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues to investigate the incident. While the exact cause remains undetermined, investigators have pointed to two major factors that may have contributed: inclement weather and potential spatial disorientation on the part of the pilot, believed to be Dave Shapiro.

Remembering the Victims

Each victim has left behind a legacy marked by passion, creativity, and community.

Dave Shapiro, Visionary Talent Agent

Shapiro, 46, was widely recognized in the music industry as a driving force behind the success of numerous bands and artists. As co-founder of Sound Talent Group, he dedicated his life to developing new talent and expanding the possibilities of live performance. A licensed pilot, Shapiro was known not only for his business acumen but also for his deep friendships and loyalty to his team.

“He built careers, believed in people before they believed in themselves, and never stopped chasing the dream of what music could be,” said a longtime colleague.

Kendall Fortner, Emerging Leader in Artist Development

Fortner, 29, had quickly earned a reputation as a rising star at Sound Talent Group. Known for his infectious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication to supporting up-and-coming artists, Fortner was a respected presence both in the office and on the road. Friends described him as “relentless in his drive, but always kind — the kind of person you wanted in your corner.”

Emma Huke, Dedicated Tour Manager and Beloved Teammate

Huke, 27, had become an indispensable figure in the world of tour logistics and artist support. Revered for her attention to detail, calm under pressure, and deep passion for the live music experience, Huke was seen by many as the heartbeat of every show she touched.

“She was the one making the impossible happen,” said a fellow tour manager. “No stage was too chaotic, no schedule too tight — Emma made it work, and she did it with heart.”

Daniel Williams, Acclaimed Drummer and Performer

Williams, 39, rose to fame as the drummer for the Ohio-based metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada. Though he had since stepped away from full-time touring, he remained deeply involved in the music world and was respected by fans and peers alike for his talent and authenticity. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief from the global metal community.

“He wasn’t just a drummer — he was part of the soul of a generation of heavy music,” said one fan on social media.

Dominic Damian, Quiet Force Behind the Scenes

A close friend of Dave Shapiro, Damian, 41, had long been a part of the inner circle supporting music tours, events, and gatherings. While not a public figure, Damian was widely remembered as a steady, compassionate presence who was always there when someone needed help or encouragement.

“Dom was loyalty personified,” said one friend. “He didn’t chase fame — he showed up, stayed late, and made people feel seen.”

Celina Kenyon, Visionary Music Photographer

Kenyon, 31, had made a name for herself in creative and music circles as a gifted photographer who captured the raw energy of live shows and the intimate humanity of performers. Her images had graced album covers, tour posters, and online platforms across the indie scene. Beyond her photography, Kenyon was known for mentoring young artists and volunteering in the arts education community.

“She didn’t just take photos — she told stories,” said fellow photographer Jordan Wu. “Her loss is a loss for every artist she believed in.”

Lew Brown, British National Visiting the U.S.

Among the victims was Lew Brown, a 36-year-old from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, living in Blackpool at the time of his death. Officials have not released details about Brown’s connection to the flight, but his family has confirmed his identity. In a statement, they described him as “a bright, adventurous soul who loved life and was taken far too soon.”

British officials are working with U.S. authorities to support Brown’s repatriation and provide assistance to his family abroad.

A Loss Felt Across Industries

This tragedy has shaken not only the San Diego community but also the national music industry and beyond. Sound Talent Group has suspended operations for the week, and artists represented by the agency have been posting tributes and organizing benefit concerts to honor the lives lost.

The NTSB expects to release a preliminary crash report within the next 2–3 weeks. In the meantime, families are preparing funeral arrangements and memorial services, while the Murphy Canyon neighborhood continues to recover from the shock and damage of the crash.

“This was more than a plane crash,” said a neighbor, watching cleanup crews at work. “It was a loss of dreamers, doers, and people who brought light into the world through music, friendship, and art.”

Donations to support the victims’ families and local residents affected by the crash can be made through official GoFundMe campaigns and nonprofit organizations linked by Sound Talent Group.
Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact the NTSB at 1-800-835-5322.