Importance Score: 62 / 100 🔴
Former Devil Wears Prada drummer, Daniel Williams, is feared dead following a plane crash in California. Concern arose after his final social media post prior to the accident. The small aircraft plummeted into a San Diego residential zone, resulting in multiple fatalities. News of the event has saddened many, with initial reports suggesting the musician was aboard, along with the flight’s pilot, prompting tributes online for Williams and others involved. This article provides the latest updates and tributes.
Tragic Plane Crash: Ex-Devil Wears Prada Drummer Daniel Williams Feared Dead
The musician is presumed to have died in the catastrophic incident, which reportedly claimed at least two lives after a light aircraft went down in a civilian neighborhood.
Final Social Media Posts Raise Questions
Just hours before the disaster, the 39-year-old posted a photograph from the plane’s cockpit, writing he was the “co-pilot now.” The message, posted along with another that read “Here we go,” has fueled speculation about the circumstances of the flight.
- The aircraft departed Teterboro Airport in New Jersey at 11:15 pm ET on Wednesday.
- Flight tracking data indicates the plane may have made a refueling stop in Kansas on its way to California.
San Diego Neighborhood Devastated
The small plane crashed in a quiet neighborhood in San Diego, causing significant destruction. Homes were damaged, vehicles were set on fire, and at least 15 properties were reportedly impacted. Over 50 police officers responded, evacuating residents, with approximately 100 people relocated to a temporary shelter.
San Diego’s Assistant Fire Department Chief Dan Eddy noted the dense fog that complicated rescue efforts stating: “You could barely see in front of you.”
Remembering Daniel Williams and Dave Shapiro
In a social media post on Wednesday, Williams shared updates on his journey with music agent and aviator Dave Shapiro, including video of himself boarding the aircraft.
Social Media Activity Before the Crash
- Williams posted a photo of the aircraft with the caption “flying back with @davevelocity.”
- He later shared a selfie from the cockpit, humorously stating: “Hey. Hey… you… look at me…. I’m the (co)pilot now.”
- Another photo was captioned: “Here we gooooo.”
Shapiro’s death has been independently confirmed by his agency, which released a statement expressing profound sorrow, saying: “We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues and friends.”
Tributes Pour in for the Victims
Online tributes have begun to emerge as friends and fans mourn Shapiro and, preemptively, Williams. Social media users have shared memories and condolences.
Ryan Bruce, a music producer, shared a statement with Daily Mail: “Dave changed mine and a lot of other people’s lives and the community he built and the network of bands he has worked with and supported will never forget him…Daniel left us a lot of music to remember him by and he was a super sweet guy.”
Daniel Williams’ Career with The Devil Wears Prada
Williams was an integral part of the Christian metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada before leaving in 2016 to pursue a career in software engineering. His departure was announced with a statement: “With respect, we would like to let our fans know that Daniel is no longer in The Devil Wears Prada. We wish him nothing but the best with everything he does going forward…We’re putting the finishing touches on our new album and look forward to releasing new music very soon. Much love, TDWP.”