Metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada has paid an emotional tribute to former drummer Daniel Williams after he died in a private jet crash in San Diego on Thursday.
The 39-year-old was confirmed as one of the fatalities of the incident after a private airplane crashed into a neighborhood in the early morning of May 22.
Music industry veteran and Sound Talent Group co-founder Dave Shapiro has also been confirmed dead.
READ MORE: Metal drummer dies in private jet crash in San Diego
The Devil Wears Prada, which parted ways with Williams in 2016, shared a string of photos of the drummer to their Instagram page after the news was confirmed.
“No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever,” the band wrote.
Lead guitarist Jeremy DePoyster added on his own page: “I have no words. My heart is shattered. I love you man.
“You inspired me every day. You gave me everything I have in my life. You mentored me through the toughest moments and you showed up in the most random places unannounced because you loved the surprise.
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“We were just a bunch of kids from Dayton Ohio in a garage and you made it something that mattered. Love you bro.”
The band’s guitarist Kyle Sipress added: “The world owes so much to the both of you. Thank you for everything. I wouldn’t be here without you, Prada wouldn’t be here without you.”
While the band’s current drummer Giuseppe Capolupo wrote: “Rest in peace, my brothers. I’m here because of you.”
Music executive Terrance Coughlin wrote on X: “Rest in Peace Dave Shapiro, Daniel Williams, and everyone on that flight.
“Some of my very first shows were booked through Dave. I had a handful of shows with Daniel, always a pleasure to see him play. Gone way too soon.”
Tragically, hours before the fatal crash Williams shared an eerie photo inside the plane’s cockpit, captioned: “Here we goooooo.”
Williams was a founding member of The Devil Wears Prada, joining the band in 2005.
He was praised for playing a significant role in shaping the band’s Christian metalcore sound before leaving in 2016 to pursue a career in software engineering.
The band’s official statement read at the time: “With respect, we would like to let our fans know that Daniel is no longer in The Devil Wears Prada.
“We wish him nothing but the best with everything he does going forward. We’re putting the finishing touches on our new album and look forward to releasing new music very soon. Much love, TDWP.”
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Shapiro was the co-founder of Sound Talent Group, whose clients included major rock bands like Sum 41, Story of the Year and Pierce the Veil.
“We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues and friends,” a spokesman for Sound Talent Group said in a statement to the BBC.
“Our hearts go out to their families and to everyone impacted by today’s tragedy. Thank you so much for respecting their privacy at this time.”
San Diego police confirmed there were at least two fatalities and eight injured when the plane went down in peaceful military neighborhood in San Diego.
The National Transportation Safety Board have taken over the investigation.
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