Dave Shapiro Dies in San Diego Plane Crash at 42

Dave Shapiro, a prominent figure in the music industry and co-founder of Sound Talent Group, tragically died in a plane crash near San Diego on May 22, 2025.

The 42-year-old was piloting his private jet, a 1985 Cessna 550 Citation, when it crashed into the Murphy Canyon neighborhood during dense fog conditions. The crash claimed the lives of all six people on board, including two of Shapiro’s employees.

Shapiro’s Impact on Music and Aviation

Shapiro was renowned for his contributions to the heavy metal and alternative rock scenes. Through Sound Talent Group, he represented bands such as Sum 41, Pierce The Veil, and Parkway Drive. He also co-founded the National Independent Talent Organization and was recognized in Billboard’s 2012 “30 Under 30” list. Beyond music, Shapiro was a passionate aviator, owning a flight school named Velocity Aviation.

A Man of Many Passions

Outside of music, Shapiro was an avid aviator. He owned a flight school, Velocity Aviation, and frequently flew cross-country, blending his love for travel, freedom, and the skies. His Cessna Citation was a familiar sight at airfields around the country. Flying wasn’t just a hobby for Shapiro—it was an extension of his fiercely independent spirit.

Tragically, that same passion cost him and five others their lives. The crash is currently under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Weather conditions are believed to be a major contributing factor, with visibility significantly reduced at the time of the accident.

The Crash and Its Aftermath

The plane, en route from Teterboro, New Jersey, with a refueling stop in Wichita, Kansas, was approaching Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport when it struck power lines and crashed into a residential area. The impact ignited fires, destroying one home and damaging at least ten others. Several residents sustained injuries during evacuation efforts. Authorities rescued multiple animals, including three husky puppies.

Community and Industry Mourn

The response from the music world has been swift and emotional. Artists, colleagues, and fans have flooded social media with tributes, calling Shapiro a “visionary,” “advocate,” and “one of the kindest forces in music.” For many, he wasn’t just a business partner—he was a mentor and friend.

“He believed in people before they believed in themselves,” one colleague shared. “He had this gift of spotting potential, and he never let go of the people he cared about.”

In the wake of the tragedy, Sound Talent Group has announced plans to honor Shapiro’s legacy, with several artists dedicating upcoming performances to his memory.

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