Sound Talent Group co-founder and agent Dave Shapiro died in a plane crash in San Diego, Calif. on Thursday morning, per the National Independent Talent Organization (NITO).
A founding member of NITO, and a reputable agent in the heavy rock music scene, Shapiro, 42, was in a private jet that crashed into a community of U.S. Navy-owned housing in San Diego on early Thursday morning. According to a recent report from the Associated Press, a total two people were killed, destroying at least one home and numerous parked cars.
In a statement, a spokesperson for NITO commented, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dave Shapiro and his two colleagues. Dave was a visionary in the music industry and a founding partner of Sound Talent Group.
His passion, dedication, and unwavering support for artists shaped the careers of countless musicians and helped elevate the live music experience for fans around the world. As a founding member of NIT0, Dave was instrumental in the initial formation and funding of the organization and assisted countless of our peers successfully navigate the pandemic shutdown of live music.
Our sincerest condolences go out to Dave’s family, friends, and everyone at STG. This is a monumental loss to our community.”
Shapiro helped launch Sound Talent Group in 2018 with Tim Borror and Matt Andersen following their time at the Agency Group and United Talent Agency. His roster included Sum 41, Eve 6, Pierce the Veil, I Prevail, Set it Off, Silverstein, Parkway Drive and Story of the Year. Shapiro also handled the label Velocity Records, whose roster has included Thursday and Craig Owens, to name a few.
Shaprio shared his passion for flying on his personal social media channels, with a bio describing him as an airplane/helicopter pilot and founder of Velocity Aviation, which offers pilot instruction.
The number of people on the plane at the time of the crash remains unconfirmed but it is speculated Daniel Williams, a former drummer for the metalcore band the Devil Wears Prada, also died in the crash. The group’s official social media channels posted a series of photos of Williams, and in the caption, the group wrote, “No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.”
Representatives for the Devil Wears Prada did not immediately return Variety‘s request for comment.
