In the early hours of May 22, 2025, a devastating plane crash shook the Murphy Canyon neighborhood in San Diego. A Cessna 550 business jet, en route from Teterboro, New Jersey, with a stopover in Wichita, Kansas, was attempting to land at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. The weather was far from ideal—dense fog and low visibility created treacherous conditions. Despite these challenges, the pilot decided to proceed with the landing. Tragically, the aircraft clipped a power line and crashed into the residential area, igniting a massive fire that engulfed homes and vehicles .
Among the six individuals on board, all are presumed dead. Notably, Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group, and Daniel Williams, former drummer of The Devil Wears Prada, were among the victims . On the ground, eight residents sustained injuries, and over 100 people were evacuated from their homes. The crash resulted in the destruction of one home and damage to at least ten others
The community’s response was nothing short of heroic. Neighbors rushed to assist each other, evacuating families and pets amidst the chaos. One resident recounted helping a neighbor’s family escape their burning home, rescuing children and pets over a fence . Emergency responders navigated through the thick fog and debris to control the fires and assist the injured.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that the dense fog and low visibility played a significant role in the accident . This tragedy has left an indelible mark on the Murphy Canyon community, highlighting both the fragility of life and the strength of communal bonds in the face of disaster.
