Jet Crashes Into Neighborhood During Early Morning Fog
In the early hours of Thursday, May 22, 2025, a private jet crashed into a San Diego neighborhood, killing all six people on board. The crash happened just before 4 a.m. in Murphy Canyon, a large community of Navy-owned housing. The jet, which had departed from New Jersey, struck power lines while trying to land in thick fog.
Flames and Explosions Rock the Community
The crash caused a massive fire, setting several homes and vehicles ablaze. Residents were jolted awake by a loud boom and the sight of flames outside their windows. Some described seeing “a wall of fire” as jet fuel flowed down the street, igniting everything in its path.
“It was horrific to see,” said San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl. “Jet fuel was running down the road, and everything was on fire at once.”
No Fatalities on the Ground, But Several Injured
Miraculously, no one in the neighborhood died. However, eight people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, including smoke inhalation and cuts from broken glass. One person was injured while trying to escape through a window.
Emergency services worked quickly to rescue residents, including several family pets.
Music Industry Mourns Loss of Dave Shapiro and Team
Among those who died in the crash was Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group. The agency confirmed that Shapiro and two of his employees were on the plane. Sound Talent Group has managed well-known music acts such as Hanson, Vanessa Carlton, and Sum 41.
In a heartfelt statement, the agency said:
“We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues, and friends. Our hearts go out to their families and everyone affected by today’s tragedy.”
Shapiro also owned Velocity Records and was a respected figure in the music business.
Former Band Drummer Also On Board
Daniel Williams, former drummer for the metal band “The Devil Wears Prada,” also boarded the jet, according to a post he made on Instagram the day before the crash. The band paid tribute to Williams online, saying, “We owe you everything. Love you forever.”
Wreckage Scattered Across the Area
Parts of the Cessna 550 Citation jet were scattered across the neighborhood. Debris was found under power lines and even in backyards. A large section of the plane’s wing landed on a nearby road.
Elliot Simpson of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stated that investigators were still collecting evidence and recovering the remains.
Family Escapes Burning Home With Seconds to Spare
Ben McCarty and his wife lived in the house that was hit directly by the jet. The Navy officer described the terrifying moment when they felt heat all around them and realized their roof had collapsed.
“My wife was screaming, ‘There’s a fire,’” McCarty told local news station KGTV. He grabbed his children and dogs, then ran to the backyard. Their neighbors helped them climb over a fence to safety.
Cars Melted, Homes Damaged
The impact destroyed the McCartys’ two vehicles—one of which ended up inside their living room. Around ten nearby homes were also damaged by fire, debris, or jet fuel.
Ariya Waterworth, another resident, said she woke up to a “whooshing sound” and saw a massive fireball. Firefighters helped her and her children escape safely. Both of her cars were either destroyed or badly damaged.
“I feel blessed that we survived,” she said. “We lost things, but we still have each other.”
Over 100 Residents Evacuated
Authorities evacuated over 100 people from the neighborhood. Firefighters worked for hours to control the blaze. Even after the fire was out, jet fuel continued to flow down Salmon Street, filling the air with dangerous fumes.
Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy said, “We have jet fuel all over the place.” He also explained how thick the fog was that morning: “You could barely see in front of you.”
Flight Details: From New Jersey to San Diego
The jet took off from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey around 11:15 p.m. on Wednesday. It stopped in Wichita, Kansas, for fuel, then headed to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego.
According to flight audio, the pilot was on final approach about 3 miles from the airport when the crash occurred.
Fog May Have Played a Role in the Crash
Experts believe the pilot was flying under instrument flight rules due to the foggy conditions. At Montgomery-Gibbs, pilots must be able to see the runway once they descend to 673 feet. If the runway isn’t visible at that point, they must pull up and try again or head to another airport.
Aviation attorney Barry Newman explained, “If a pilot can’t see the runway, they’re required to abort the landing.”
San Diego’s History of Plane Crashes
This is not the first time San Diego has experienced a deadly plane crash. In 2021, a similar twin-engine plane crash killed a UPS driver and the pilot. In 2008, a military jet crashed into a home, killing four people.
Investigation Ongoing
The NTSB and FAA are leading the investigation. They are asking for any witnesses to come forward with video or photos. Investigators are expected to remain at the crash site for several days.
Officials have not said when it will be safe for residents to return to their homes, as the area is still being cleaned up and checked for hazards.
This tragic event has deeply affected both the San Diego community and the music industry. While the loss is heartbreaking, many are thankful that no lives were lost on the ground. Authorities continue to investigate what went wrong and are working to support the survivors.
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