Sound Talent Group Co-Founder Dave Shapiro Killed in San Diego Plane Crash

Dave Shapiro, a co-founder of Sound Talent Group, has died. He was among those killed when a Cessna 550 private plane crashed into a San Diego’s Tierrasanta neighborhood in the early morning hours of Thursday, May 22. Shapiro and all of the plane’s passengers died in the crash, among them believed to be Daniel Williams, founding drummer of the metalcore band the Devil Wears Prada. About 10 homes suffered damage from the crash, Dan Eddy, San Diego’s assistant fire chief, said at a news conference, according to The Associated Press. Officials are investigating the cause of the crash, The New York Times reports. Shapiro was 42.

“We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues and friends,” a Sound Talent Group representative said in a statement to the BBC. “Our hearts go out to their families and to everyone impacted by today’s tragedy. Thank you so much for respecting their privacy at this time.”

Dave Shapiro formerly worked as an agent at United Talent Agency. He co-founded Sound Talent Group, with Tim Borror and Matt Andersen, in 2019. The agency’s roster includes hard rock acts like Pierce the Veil, Sum 41, Lamb of God, Ice Nine Kills, and others, along with pop artists like Vanessa Carlton and Hanson. In 2020, Shapiro formed the National Independent Talent Organization with the goal of protecting independent artists, booking agents, and talent representatives.

Beyond his work as an agent, Shapiro founded the label Velocity Records. He also founded Velocity Aviation. According to the company’s website, Shapiro began flying in 2005.