Emma Huke Obituary, Death: Additional victims named in deadly San Diego plane crash.

Emma Huke Obituary, Death – Federal authorities continue to investigate a tragic plane crash that occurred in a San Diego military housing neighborhood last week, killing six people and injuring several others. The accident took place in the early hours of Thursday morning when a 1985 Cessna 550 Citation plummeted into the Murphy Canyon community, igniting fires and damaging homes.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that all six people onboard the aircraft perished. The victims included several professionals associated with the music and entertainment industry, as well as others with ties to San Diego. Though one individual remains unnamed, the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office has publicly identified five of the deceased: Dave Shapiro, 42; Emma Huke, 25; Celina Marie Rose Kenyon, 36; Kendall Fortner, 24; and Dominic Damian, 41. Later, 39-year-old Daniel Williams, a former drummer for the metal band The Devil Wears Prada, was confirmed as the sixth victim.

FAA records indicate that the plane was registered to a company based in Alaska, owned by Dave Shapiro. Shapiro, a well-known music agent and co-founder of Sound Talent Group, represented several prominent punk and rock bands such as Sum 41 and Pierce the Veil. Social media posts from Williams shortly before the crash confirmed he was flying with Shapiro. One post showed the aircraft’s registration number and an image from the cockpit.

Authorities have not yet disclosed who was piloting the aircraft, though media reports suggest Shapiro held a valid pilot’s license.

Among the other victims was Emma Huke, a booking assistant at Sound Talent Group, and Kendall Fortner, who was also employed by the agency. Dominic Damian, a respected martial artist, worked out of The Training Center in Pacific Beach. A memorial for Damian is scheduled to be held in his local community.

Celina Kenyon, a professional photographer, was described by her family as a devoted mother who chose the late-night private flight to return home early and take her daughter to school. Her family mourned the loss deeply, calling her a “bright light” whose absence has left them heartbroken.

Daniel Williams, the last of the victims to be publicly identified, had a long history in the music industry. His former bandmates in The Devil Wears Prada shared emotional tributes to him across their social media platforms following news of his death.

Sound Talent Group released a statement expressing their heartbreak over the deaths of their co-founder and colleagues. They extended condolences to the victims’ families and asked for privacy during this painful time.

The Cessna had departed New Jersey around 11:15 p.m. on Wednesday and made a refueling stop in Wichita, Kansas, before continuing toward its final destination, Montgomery Field in San Diego. Tragically, it crashed just before reaching the airport, reportedly around 3:45 a.m. Thursday.

An investigator from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stated the plane struck powerlines approximately two miles from the runway before crashing into a residential home. The cause of the crash remains undetermined, but it has been noted that runway lights and the airport’s automated weather system were not operational at the time due to a prior power surge.

NTSB investigators revealed the plane did not have a flight data recorder, and they are still examining whether a cockpit voice recorder had been installed or was functional. They noted that the pilot made no distress call or report of issues to air traffic control before the crash.

Weather may have also played a role. San Diego Fire-Rescue officials described foggy conditions that significantly reduced visibility at the time of the crash. Assistant Chief Dan Eddy said visibility was so poor that “you could barely see in front of you.”

Although eight people on the ground were injured—mostly with minor injuries—the crash had a devastating impact on the Murphy Canyon neighborhood. One home was destroyed, and several others were damaged or set ablaze by the resulting fires, which also engulfed vehicles and other debris.

Ben McCarty, a homeowner in the crash zone, believes his parked truck may have saved his family’s lives by absorbing much of the plane’s impact. He also credited placing their dogs in crates that night for their survival.

In response to the disaster, city and emergency officials closed several streets around the area for investigation and cleanup. Some streets have since reopened, but a few remain blocked to ensure public safety.

Local authorities have urged residents who find debris or smell jet fuel in the vicinity to report it. They have also coordinated with the San Diego Humane Society to help reunite pets with owners who had to evacuate suddenly.

The NTSB has requested that any witnesses or individuals with video footage of the crash come forward and share it with investigators.

In the aftermath, numerous local leaders have expressed condolences. The San Diego Police Department lauded the community’s resilience and the collaborative efforts of first responders. Mayor Todd Gloria commended the unified response by city, state, and federal agencies, along with community volunteers, for their swift action in protecting and assisting residents. He assured that the city would support affected families, many of whom are members of San Diego’s military community.

While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, this incident has left a lasting impact on San Diego’s tight-knit neighborhoods and the broader music and arts community.