By 2025, Shapiro had logged more than a million miles in the air and was the registered owner of the 1985 Cessna S550, managed through DAVIATOR LLC, an Alaska-based entity.

“Dave seemed to always be working on a new endeavor, or to be going on a new adventure, because he was always excited for a new challenge. We are grateful for the 15 years we knew him.

Fortner, 24, and Huke, 25, joined Shapiro's agency as booking associates after graduating from college, according to bios released by Sound Talent Group, which confirmed both women were on the plane.

Music executive Dave Shapiro poses for a portrait on Dec. 3, 2024, in Nashville. (Stephanie Siau/Sound Talent Group via AP) Shapiro was a strong advocate for independent musicians and a co-founder ...

Music executive Dave Shapiro poses for a portrait on Dec. 3, 2024, in Nashville. These artists reached a kind of apex in the 2000s and 2010s.

Shapiro’s friend, music producer Ryan Bruce, shared a heartfelt tribute in the wake of the tragedy. “Dave changed mine and a lot of other people’s lives,” he told the Daily Mail.

Music executive Dave Shapiro poses for a portrait on Dec. 3, 2024, in Nashville. (Stephanie Siau/Sound Talent Group via AP) Shapiro was a strong advocate for independent musicians and a co-founder ...

Dave Shapiro, a groundbreaking music executive in the heavy metal and hard rock scene, has died in a San Diego plane crash. He was 42. Shapiro had a pilot’s license and was listed as the owner ...

Music executive Dave Shapiro poses for a portrait on Dec. 3, 2024, in Nashville. (Stephanie Siau/Sound Talent Group via AP) Shapiro was a strong advocate for independent musicians and a co-founder of ...

(AP) - Dave Shapiro, a groundbreaking music executive in the heavy metal and hard rock scene, has died in a San Diego plane crash. He was 42. Shapiro had a pilot’s license and was listed as the owner ...