Dave Shapiro, Music Agent & STG Co-Founder, Dies at 42

SAN DIEGO, May 22, 2025 — The music industry is mourning the loss of Dave Shapiro, a prominent music agent and co-founder of Sound Talent Group, who tragically died at the age of 42 in a plane crash in San Diego’s Murphy Canyon neighborhood. 

The crash occurred early Thursday morning and also claimed the lives of five others, including former The Devil Wears Prada drummer Daniel Williams. Wikipedia+9The Guardian+9The Times+9DeepNewz+13Fox News+13The Times+13

A Pillar in the Music Industry

Shapiro was a significant figure in the heavy metal and alternative rock scenes. He co-founded Sound Talent Group in 2018, representing notable acts such as Pierce The Veil, Parkway Drive, Sum 41, and Vanessa Carlton. His dedication to promoting independent artists led him to co-found the National Independent Talent Organization (NITO) in 2020.

Shapiro’s contributions were recognized when he was named in Billboard’s 2012 “30 Under 30” list. People.com+6AP News+6https://www.azfamily.com+6AP News+3https://www.azfamily.com+3https://www.cleveland19.com+3

✈️ Passion for Aviation

Beyond his music career, Shapiro was an avid aviator. He owned Velocity Aviation, a flight school operating in San Diego and Homer, Alaska. Shapiro began flying in 2005 and held an airline transport pilot rating. He often combined his passions, flying himself to various music events and festivals. AP NewsAP News+3Fox News+3https://www.azfamily.com+3Rolling Stone Australia+3https://www.azfamily.com+3Pitchfork+3

The Tragic Incident

The aircraft, a Cessna Citation II, was registered to Shapiro and was en route from Teterboro, New Jersey, with a stopover in Wichita, Kansas, before its intended arrival at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego. The crash occurred around 3:45 a.m. local time, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals on board. 

The incident also caused significant damage to the surrounding neighborhood, igniting at least ten homes and over a dozen vehicles due to jet fuel fires. More than 100 residents were evacuated, and three ground injuries were reported.NPR+5Wikipedia+5Wikipedia+5Sky News+8The Times+8NPR+8

Tributes and Legacy

Tributes have poured in from across the music industry. Sum 41 frontman Deryck Whibley credited Shapiro with revitalizing the band’s career during challenging times. Nate Blasdell, former guitarist for I Set My Friends on Fire, expressed his heartbreak, stating that Shapiro was the first booking agent he worked with and played a significant role in his music career. Fox News+1AP News+1

Shapiro’s wife, Julia Pawlik Shapiro, shared memories of their adventurous life together, including their unique wedding on a glacier in Alaska. She described him as someone who lived life to the fullest, embracing both his professional and personal passions with unwavering enthusiasm. https://www.azfamily.com

Ongoing Investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that the aircraft may have struck power lines before crashing, but the exact cause remains under investigation.Authorities are also examining weather conditions at the time, as foggy weather was reported in the area. Wikipedia+2The Times+2People.com+2Sky News+1Wikipedia+1

Dave Shapiro’s untimely passing leaves a significant void in the music and aviation communities. His contributions to the industry and his passion for nurturing talent will be remembered by many.

For more information on Dave Shapiro’s legacy and the ongoing investigation, please refer to the following sources:

• The Guardian