Former The Devil Wears Prada drummer Daniel Williams passed away on May 22nd, 2025. He was 39. Daniel and his talent rep and four others were killed when their plane went down in San Diego, CA. They were on the last leg of the trip and crashed just before reaching Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. The plane was traveling through dense fog, which hampered the landing. The crash happened at approximately 3:45 am on Thursday. Several homes were also damaged from the Cessna’s impact.
Daniel Williams’s Drumming Career
Daniel was born in Ohio. He started playing drums at age 11, having an interest primarily in punk and metal music. After high school, Daniel was in several punk bands, then he joined the metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada. Daniel also enjoyed collecting comic books, rock climbing, and surfing.
Daniel Williams and The Devil Wears Prada
In 2005, Daniel, along with Mike Hranica, Jeremy DePoyster, Andy Trick, and James Baney, formed The Devil Wears Prada. Shortly after their formation, the band was signed to Rise Records. Prior to Daniel’s departure, the band released five albums. In 2016, Daniel left the band and was replaced by drummer Giuseppe Capolupo.
During Daniel’s tenure, the band toured in support of Underoath, All That Remains, and Killswitch Engage. They went on several Warped Tours, and the band released their latest studio album in 2022.
Daniel Williams Had a Previous Close Call
In 2019, there was a mass shooting on a popular bar and restaurant street block in Dayton, Ohio. Daniel was in a bar called Ned Peppers, where he was gathered with friends on their back patio, when the shots rang out. Tragically, nine people were killed and over two dozen more people injured. This all happened in the span of roughly half a minute. Thankfully, Daniel Williams did not get hurt that day.
Remembering Daniel Williams
After Daniel left The Devil Wears Prada, he went to work in the tech industry. Although he was still drumming part-time, he was not committed to any musical project. Daniel Williams will be missed for the joy he brought to those around him. Hopefully, your family and friends will find peace during this difficult time.
