News Summary
A plane crash in Murphy Canyon, San Diego, left six dead and numerous injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash involving a Cessna 550 Citation. The deceased include a music executive, a booking assistant, and a former drummer. Eyewitness reports indicate that foggy conditions and malfunctioning runway systems may have contributed to the accident. Local authorities are addressing safety concerns as the community mourns the loss and evaluates aircraft safety measures.
San Diego – Six people were confirmed dead following a plane crash in Murphy Canyon last Thursday morning, which has left a community in mourning and sparked an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The crash occurred at approximately 3:45 a.m. involving a 1985 Cessna 550 Citation, which was carrying five passengers and the pilot.
The deceased have been identified by the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office, with the victims including Dave Shapiro, a 42-year-old music industry executive and co-founder of Sound Talent Group, and Emma L. Huke, 25, who served as a booking assistant for the same agency. Other victims include Celina Marie Rose Kenyon, 36, Kendall Fortner, 24, and Dominic Damian, 41. A sixth victim, identified as Daniel Williams, 39, was a former drummer for the metal band The Devil Wears Prada.
In addition to the six fatalities, eight people on the ground were injured, and approximately 100 residents were evacuated from their homes due to safety concerns. The plane reportedly struck high-tension power lines before colliding with a house, causing substantial damage and igniting fires in nearby structures. Local authorities have advised residents to report any smells of jet fuel or debris found in the area.
The NTSB is actively investigating the incident. Initial findings indicate that foggy conditions were present at the time of the crash. Reports highlight that both the runway lights and a weather notification system were malfunctioning, but the pilot had not reported any issues before the accident and failed to declare an emergency to air traffic control.
Dave Shapiro, the registered owner of the aircraft, possessed a pilot’s license; however, it remains uncertain who was operating the plane during the flight. The passengers included crew members from Shapiro’s company, and Kenyon was particularly well-regarded by her family and friends, who expressed their devastation over her untimely death while she was traveling home to take her daughter to school.
A memorial service for one of the victims is planned in Pacific Beach, reflecting the outpouring of grief from the local community. In light of the tragedy, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria commended first responders for their swift action and extended condolences to the families affected by this devastating incident.
Investigators are expected to evaluate the pilot’s credentials and the aircraft’s operational history as part of the inquiry. A preliminary report from the NTSB is projected within weeks, while the full investigation may take one to two years to conclude. The focus will include assessing environmental factors and the condition of the aircraft before the crash.
Hero homeowner Ben McCarty reported that his truck parked outside his residence might have mitigated the damage to his family by absorbing the impact from the plane. The destruction from the crash left one home in ruins and caused significant disruption in the neighborhood.
This tragic event serves as a harsh reminder of the potential dangers associated with aviation and has raised many questions concerning aircraft safety and emergency preparedness in communities near flight paths. The San Diego community continues to process this loss as support for the families affected strengthens in the wake of this disastrous event.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Aviation accidents and incidents
- Washington Post
- Google Search: San Diego plane crash
- NBC San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Plane crash
- Sky News
- Google News: San Diego plane crash
- The Guardian
- Google Scholar: California plane crash
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
