British Man Lew Brown Identified Among Victims in San Diego Plane Crash That Killed 6, Including Drummer Daniel Williams
San Diego, CA – May 24, 2025 — Authorities have identified Lew Brown, a British national originally from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, and a current resident of Blackpool, as one of the six victims who tragically lost their lives in the deadly private jet crash that rocked a San Diego neighborhood earlier this week. The catastrophic incident, which occurred in the early hours of May 22, has left investigators searching for answers and families across continents reeling in grief.
The crash, which took place at approximately 3:45 a.m. local time in the quiet Murphy Canyon area near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, resulted in the fiery destruction of multiple homes. At least 15 residences were engulfed in flames, forcing mass evacuations as emergency services battled the inferno through the night.
Among the victims was 34-year-old Lew Brown, whose presence on the plane came as a shock to friends and family back in the UK. Brown had been in the United States on business, though the nature of his involvement with the other passengers remains under review. His loved ones described him as a kind and ambitious individual who had an unshakeable love for music and international travel. He leaves behind a close-knit circle of friends in both Blackpool and Harrogate, many of whom have taken to social media to express their heartbreak and disbelief.
The ill-fated flight also claimed the lives of several figures known in the entertainment industry. Talent music agent Dave Shapiro, believed to have been piloting the aircraft, was killed alongside two of his Sound Talent Group employees, Kendall Fortner and Emma Huke. Also on board was Daniel Williams, the former drummer of the popular metal band The Devil Wears Prada, as well as Shapiro’s longtime friend Dominic Damian and photographer Celina Kenyon.
There were no survivors.
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have begun piecing together the circumstances surrounding the crash. At a preliminary briefing, NTSB spokesperson Dan Baker stressed that the official cause of the crash remains undetermined but highlighted two contributing factors that are being closely examined.
“One key area of focus is the weather conditions at the time of the flight,” said Baker. “Initial radar data suggests the aircraft encountered an unexpected low-visibility layer just moments after takeoff. We are also looking into potential mechanical failure and issues related to pilot workload and spatial disorientation.”
The NTSB has recovered the aircraft’s flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, both of which are currently undergoing analysis at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. A full report is not expected for several months, but early findings may be released to the public in the coming weeks.
The aircraft, a privately owned Cessna Citation, was reportedly en route to Las Vegas for a business-related event. Its abrupt descent and collision with residential structures has raised new questions about the safety protocols surrounding early-morning private jet departures, particularly near densely populated areas.
Local residents who witnessed the crash described scenes of chaos and horror. “I thought it was an earthquake at first,” said Maria Estrada, a Murphy Canyon resident who lives just two blocks from the crash site. “The whole house shook, and then we saw flames. It was terrifying.”
Emergency response teams were on scene within minutes, working tirelessly to contain the blaze and assist displaced residents. Miraculously, despite the widespread damage, no one on the ground was seriously injured.
As families of the victims begin the painful process of mourning, tributes have poured in from around the world. Fans of Daniel Williams remembered him as a powerhouse drummer who helped shape the sound of modern metalcore, while colleagues of Dave Shapiro praised his passion and commitment to the music industry.
A representative for Lew Brown’s family in the UK released a statement expressing their profound grief:
“Lew was a loving son, brother, and friend. He brought light and laughter to every room he entered, and his loss has left a void that can never be filled. We ask for privacy during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Memorials and fundraising efforts have begun to support the affected families and those who lost their homes in the blaze. Local officials have vowed to conduct a thorough review of the circumstances and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
As the investigation unfolds, the crash serves as a sobering reminder of how suddenly life can change — and how the connections we make across borders and industries bind us even in loss.
If you have any information or witnessed the crash, authorities urge you to contact the NTSB’s tip line at 1-800-835-5322.