The Devil Wears Prada Drummer Daniel Williams Dies in San Diego Plane Crash
On May 22, 2025, a plane crashed in the Murphy Canyon area of San Diego, killing six people, including Daniel Williams, the former drummer of The Devil Wears Prada.
A terrible accident has left fans of a popular band in disbelief. A small plane crashed in San Diego, California, and took the life of someone who helped create music loved by many.
This sad event has brought people together to remember a talented drummer. Keep reading to learn more about what happened and how it’s affecting everyone.
Daniel Williams Dies in San Diego Plane Crash
The crash happened around 3:47 a.m. in foggy weather, causing fires that damaged homes and injured eight people on the ground.
Williams, who was 39, had been with the band from 2005 to 2016 and helped make their music special.
Another person on the plane was Dave Shapiro, a music agent who owned Sound Talent Group and was flying the plane.
The news has left the music community heartbroken, with many sharing kind words online.
The plane, a Cessna 550, had taken off from New Jersey, stopped in Kansas for fuel, and was heading to San Diego when it crashed.
Williams shared photos on Instagram before the flight, showing himself in the cockpit and joking that he was the “co-pilot now.”
His family told TMZ they were sure he was on the plane, even though officials hadn’t confirmed it yet.
The Devil Wears Prada posted on Instagram, saying, “No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever,” with pictures of Williams and Shapiro.
A Drummer Who Made a Difference
Daniel Williams was a big part of The Devil Wears Prada, a band that started in Dayton, Ohio. He played drums on their first five albums, including hits like “Zombie” and “Dead Throne.”
Fans loved his fast and strong drumming style, which helped the band become well-known in the metalcore music scene.
After leaving the band in 2016, Williams became a software engineer, working at GoPro for years before starting a new job at Apple just weeks before the crash.
Fans and other musicians have been sharing their memories of Williams. A fan on X wrote that he was a “great guy” who always took time to talk or take pictures at shows.
Another fan said Williams inspired them to play drums when they were younger. The band’s tribute shows how much he meant to them, and his music will keep his memory alive for years to come.
What’s Next After the Crash?
Investigators are still looking into why the plane crashed. The foggy weather might have been a factor, but more details are needed.
The crash damaged at least 15 homes and several cars, and over 100 people had to leave their homes for safety.
Sound Talent Group, Shapiro’s company, also lost two other employees in the crash, making the loss even harder for the music world.
The Devil Wears Prada and their fans are now focusing on remembering Williams. Some fans are planning to listen to the band’s old songs to honor him.
Others are sharing stories about meeting him at concerts. This tragedy shows how quickly life can change and reminds us to appreciate the people who make music we love.
As the investigation continues, the music community will keep supporting Williams’ family and friends.
Sending love to all of the affected!
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