The 42-year-old was not only a veteran talent agent but also an experienced and adventurous pilot — a background often requiring aviator-specific life insurance, high-risk activity insurance, and pilot medical certification exams.
“From BASE jumping to aerobatic flying, Helicopters to twin engines, flight instructing to furthering his own education, doesn’t matter to Dave as long as he gets to be in the sky,” reads a statement on his aviation company’s website.
Shapiro was the owner of Velocity Aviation and Velocity Records. He opened a San Diego office for his agency inside an aircraft hangar and had recently obtained his airline transport pilot rating in 2019
a milestone that often involves FAA-compliant physicals, aeromedical evaluations, and comprehensive pilot training insurance.
Also on board was Daniel Williams, former drummer for the metal-core band The Devil Wears Prada. His family confirmed his death, although official confirmation from authorities is still pending. In the aftermath, families may face long-term decisions about survivor benefits, funeral insurance payouts, and accidental death legal representation.
