A devastating plane crash in San Diego’s Murphy Canyon neighborhood early Thursday morning has claimed the lives of all six individuals on board, according to officials. The victims included music industry professionals and the co-founder of a prominent talent agency.
The crash occurred just before 4 a.m., involving a Cessna 550 Citation jet. Authorities say the aircraft went down in a residential area near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, igniting a powerful fire that scorched homes and vehicles in its path. No fatalities were reported on the ground, but eight local residents were treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.
Dan Baker, a senior investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), confirmed that the crash completely destroyed the aircraft and caused significant damage to about 10 nearby homes. He added that investigators will need up to a year to determine the exact cause of the crash.
The plane was carrying Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group—a booking agency known for representing acts like Sum 41 and Vanessa Carlton. Shapiro, a licensed pilot and the registered owner of the aircraft, died in the crash along with two of his colleagues: Kendall Fortner, 24, and Emma Huke, 25. Both were Southern California natives and rising stars in the agency’s booking department.
Authorities noted that the jet may have been flying in difficult conditions, with thick fog limiting visibility. Investigators are currently reviewing whether the pilot was aware of a critical Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) stating that runway and glide path lighting at Montgomery-Gibbs was inoperative at the time.
No distress call or emergency communication was made by the pilot before the plane went down, according to NTSB reports.
“The recovery of wreckage is expected to start today, and we aim to complete the on-site investigation within the next few days,” Baker said during a Friday press briefing.
This tragic incident has rocked the music community and raised new questions about aviation safety during nighttime operations in foggy conditions.
