The music industry and tech community are mourning the tragic loss of Daniel Williams, who died in a devastating plane crash in San Diego. The fatal crash left communities in both the music and tech worlds reeling from the sudden loss of this multifaceted professional. What will be Williams’ most memorable project?
Devastating Plane Crash Claims Former Metal Drummer’s Life
Daniel Williams, the former drummer of Christian metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada, has died in a plane crash that occurred Thursday morning in San Diego, California. The 39-year-old musician-turned-software engineer was aboard a private Cessna 550 jet that crashed in a residential military housing area, resulting in multiple fatalities.
The flight originated from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey and made a refueling stop in Kansas before continuing toward its destination at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego. In what would become a haunting final post, Williams shared images on social media from inside the aircraft, jokingly captioning that he was the “co-pilot now.”
Daniel Williams, the original drummer of metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada, has been confirmed dead following a fatal plane crash in San Diego on the morning of May 22. He was aboard a private Cessna 550 jet that went down in a residential military housing area near… pic.twitter.com/MnpQgyt6oR
— Rock Feed 🎸 (@RockFeedNet) May 22, 2025
Impact and Aftermath of the Tragic Crash
The jet, with tail number N666DS, crashed into homes and cars in Murphy Canyon near the Tierrasanta neighborhood, a military housing area in San Diego. The impact led to evacuations of approximately 100 residents due to hazardous residue, with at least two confirmed dead and eight injured, though the injured were not passengers on the aircraft.
San Diego Police described the crash scene as “horrific,” with jet fuel spilling and fires breaking out in the residential area. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have launched investigations into the crash, which claimed six lives in total, including talent agent Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group.
"I'M THE CO-PILOT NOW."
Daniel Williams, former drummer of the hugely-popular Christian metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada, is feared to have died in the private jet crash in San Diego.
In his final posts, he shared a photo of himself at the planes controls saying "here we… pic.twitter.com/Yx6r15vnDs
— HustleBitch (@HustleBitch_) May 22, 2025
Remembering Daniel Williams’ Legacy
Williams played with The Devil Wears Prada from 2004 until 2016, when he left the band to pursue a career in technology. After departing from the music industry, he established himself as a senior software architect at GoPro, successfully transitioning his creative talents into the tech sector.
The Devil Wears Prada paid tribute to their former bandmate on Instagram, posting: “No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.” Williams’ contributions to both the music industry and the tech community have left a lasting impact, with fans and colleagues across both fields expressing their shock and sadness at his untimely passing.
While Williams’ father has confirmed his presence on the ill-fated flight, official confirmation of his death from authorities is still pending. The final transmission from the pilot was captured in audio before the crash, providing investigators with critical information as they work to determine the cause of this devastating accident.