Daniel Williams, the former drummer of the Christian metal-core band The Devil Wears Prada, was reportedly involved in a devastating plane crash in San Diego. Williams, 39, had recently announced a major career move just days before the tragedy.

According to The Daily Caller, Williams’ family confirmed to TMZ that he was killed when a small Cessna aircraft crashed into a residential area of U.S. Navy-owned housing at around 4 a.m. on Thursday. No survivors were reported among those on board.

Williams’ father, Larry, told media outlets the family is “confident” their son was on the aircraft, although official confirmation from authorities has not yet been received. Reports indicate several people on the ground suffered injuries as a result of the ensuing fire, further intensifying the shockwaves from the incident.

Unanswered questions around crash

Authorities in San Diego are working to contact next of kin for all victims, but no official timeline for identification has been released. The Cessna involved in the crash was capable of holding up to 10 people, though the exact number of occupants remains unclear at this time.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and officials have not yet provided details about what might have led to the tragedy. As the investigation proceeds, many are left struggling to understand how such a catastrophe could unfold in a residential neighborhood, especially one associated with military housing.

Music agent David Shapiro is also believed to have perished in the crash, according to multiple reports. Details about other potential passengers or their identities have not been made public, leaving families and fans anxiously awaiting more information.

Tributes from the music community

The Devil Wears Prada posted a touching tribute on Instagram following news of Williams’ death, sharing several images and a brief, heartfelt message to their former bandmate. The post read, “♥️ no words. We owe you everything. Love you forever.”

Williams played drums for the band for several years, contributing to their rise in the Christian metal-core scene before moving on to other opportunities. His musicianship and energy made him a beloved figure among fans and peers alike.

On May 14, Williams posted an update on X (formerly Twitter), sharing his excitement about accepting a software engineering role at Apple after nearly eight years at GoPro. The abrupt shift from celebration to mourning has left those who knew him stunned and heartbroken.

Family and public left waiting

Williams’ family has been vocal about the uncertainty and pain they are experiencing. Larry Williams told TMZ the family remains confident in the reports about Daniel’s involvement, but the absence of official confirmation from authorities is prolonging their anguish.

Before the crash, Daniel Williams reportedly posted a photo of himself in the copilot’s seat of the plane, joking about not having a pilot’s license. This detail has added another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation and raised questions about the circumstances leading up to the deadly flight.

Authorities have confirmed that several people on the ground were injured by the fire sparked when the plane crashed into the residential area. The extent of these injuries is not fully known, but their presence underscores the broader impact of the tragedy.

Investigation and next steps

San Diego authorities are continuing their efforts to identify all victims and contact their families. With no survivors reported from the Cessna, the process is expected to be both complex and emotionally taxing for those involved.

The cause of the crash remains a mystery, with officials promising a thorough investigation. In the meantime, questions about flight safety, pilot credentials, and the plane’s maintenance history are dominating discussions among aviation experts and concerned citizens.

While music agent David Shapiro’s name has surfaced among those believed lost, no official list of casualties has been released. The uncertainty has left a cloud of grief and speculation hovering over the music and entertainment communities.