Local News
Former Devil Wears Prada Drummer Daniel Williams Shared Final Post Before Fatal Plane Crash in San Diego
Daniel Williams, former drummer of the metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada, posted a series of photos from the cockpit of a small aircraft just hours before a tragic crash in San Diego that claimed at least two lives, sparking widespread fears that he may be among the deceased.
The 39-year-old musician shared a series of Instagram stories late Wednesday evening, appearing to document his flight from the cockpit.
One post showed Williams seated at the plane’s controls with the caption, “Hey. Hey… you… look at me…. I’m the (co)pilot now,” referencing a popular movie quote.
In another story, he posted a photo of the aircraft with the caption, โFlying back with @davevelocity,โ tagging music agent and pilot Dave Shapiro. A final image, captioned โHere we gooooo,โ showed him in the co-pilotโs seat moments before takeoff.
According to flight tracking data, the aircraft departed Teterboro Airport in New Jersey around 11:15 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
It made a fuel stop in Kansas before continuing its journey to Southern California.
The plane ultimately crashed in the early hours of Thursday morning in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood of San Diego, a quiet community near military housing.
The crash, which occurred in dense fog conditions, destroyed multiple homes and vehicles. San Diego Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy described the scene as chaotic and dangerous: โYou could barely see in front of you,โ he said during a press conference.
Authorities believe the aircraft struck several residential properties, sparking fires that damaged at least 15 buildings and forced the evacuation of approximately 100 residents.
More than 50 emergency personnel responded to the scene.
The agency Sound Talent Group later confirmed that Dave Shapiro, 42, co-founder of the music agency and a prominent talent representative, was among those killed in the crash.
In a statement, the agency said:
โWe are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues, and friends. Our hearts go out to their families and to everyone impacted by todayโs tragedy. Thank you so much for respecting their privacy at this time.โ
As of now, Williams has not been officially confirmed among the victims, and no further updates have been shared on his social media accounts since his pre-flight posts.
Authorities have yet to release a full list of those onboard or the exact cause of the crash.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating.
Three young lives were tragically lost in a fiery head-on collision early Wednesday morning, November 4, 2026, on Highway 158 near Happy Hill Road in Stokesdale, Guilford County, North Carolina.
Authorities have identified the victims as 16-year-old Baisley, 22-year-old Saige Richardson, and 27-year-old Tyler Robinson. Their deaths have left three families grieving an unimaginable loss and have deeply saddened those who knew and loved them.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred shortly after 2 a.m. when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collided head-on along Highway 158.
The force of the impact caused both vehicles to catch fire. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but all three individuals involved in the collision were pronounced dead at the location.
The victims were identified as Baisley, Saige Richardson, and Tyler Robinson. They were 16, 22, and 27 years old, respectively. Each had a life of their own, with relationships, hopes, and plans for the future. Their sudden deaths have left loved ones facing a devastating reality.
Following the collision, Highway 158 was closed for several hours as emergency crews and investigators worked at the scene. The roadway reopened at approximately 5:35 a.m.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. The cause of the collision has not yet been determined, and officials have not released further details about what may have led to the two vehicles striking each other.
The deaths of Baisley, Saige Richardson, and Tyler Robinson are a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly lives can change. At just 16, 22, and 27, all three had so much life ahead of them. Their loss will be felt most deeply by their families, friends, and everyone whose lives they touched.
For their loved ones, the days ahead will bring the difficult task of navigating grief while holding on to the memories of those they have lost. Three families are now left with an absence that words cannot fully describe.
As the investigation continues, thoughts remain with the families and friends of Baisley, Saige Richardson, and Tyler Robinson. May they find strength, comfort, and support during this painful time.
May Baisley, Saige Richardson, and Tyler Robinson rest in eternal peace.