US music agent Dave Shapiro is among those killed when a small plane crashed into a neighbourhood in San Diego.
The 42-year-old co-founder of music agency Sound Talent Group was one of six people on a private jet that went down in Murphy Canyon during foggy weather early on Thursday. All are presumed dead, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said.
Sound Talent Group said two of the passengers on the plane were employees, but did not name them.
“We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues, and friends. Our hearts go out to their families and to everyone impacted by today’s tragedy,” the agency said in a statement.
Daniel Williams, the former drummer of US metal band The Devil Wears Prada, is also believed to have been on the aircraft.
He posted on social media on Wednesday to say he was boarding the plane with Shapiro, according to the Associated Press. The band later posted a tribute to Williams on their social media, writing: “No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.”
Shapiro, was listed as the owner of the plane and had a pilot’s licence, according to the FAA.
The music executive created Sound Talent Group in 2018. Stars on the agency’s roster included US pop band Hanson, American singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton and the Canadian rock group Sum 41.
In a post on X, Hanson – who are best known for 1990s hit MMMBop – described Shapiro as a “longtime friend”.
“Dave was fearless in life, and tireless in his work, and the kind of friend you would want on your speed dial,” the band wrote.
“Dave seemed to always be working on a new endeavor, or to be going on a new adventure, because he was always excited for a new challenge. We are grateful for the 15 years we knew him. Our hearts go out to Dave’s family and the team at Sound Talent Group.”
‘Something from a movie’
The crash occurred in the US military’s largest housing neighbourhood. The plane appeared to strike at least one home, with around 10 houses and multiple vehicles damaged.
Several people were injured while trying to flee the area and others were treated for smoke inhalation.
“I can’t quite put words to describe what the scene looks like, but with the jet fuel going down the street, and everything on fire all at once, it was pretty horrific to see,” San Diego police chief Scott Wahl said.
While assistant fire department chief Dan Eddy told reporters that authorities will be investigating whether the aircraft hit a power line.
The fire chief added: “When it hit the street, as the jet fuel went down it took out every single car that was on both sides of the street.
“You can see that every single car was burning down both sides of the street.”
Describing the scene as “like something from a movie”, Mr Eddy told reporters it was foggy at the time of the crash.
He said: “You could barely see in front of you.”
‘It was horrifying’
At least 100 residents were evacuated to a nearby school, while jet fuel rolled down the streets of the neighbourhood. Officials said it was unclear when it would be safe for people to return.
Christopher Moore, who lives one street over from the crash site, said he and his wife were woken by a loud bang and saw smoke when they peered out the window.
As they fled the neighbourhood with their two young children, they spotted a car engulfed in flames.
Mr Moore said: “It was definitely horrifying, for sure, but sometimes you’ve just got to drop your head and get to safety.”
Police rescued three husky puppies from one of the homes, while evacuated families were spotted standing in their pyjamas in a car park a few streets away.
Many military service members live in the neighbourhood, which is also heavily populated by small civilian and military aircraft.
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport and Gillespie Field are nearby.
The authorities are yet to release details about the aircraft, but said it was a flight coming in from the Midwest.
A flight tracking site listed the plane as a Cessna Citation II jet that was scheduled to arrive at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego from Colonel James Jabara Airport in Wichita, Kansas.
Officials at the airport said it just made a fuelling stop in Wichita. The flight originated on Wednesday night in Teterboro, New Jersey, according to FlightAware.
