“My entire world is in shambles”: Fiancée of Daniel Williams shares emotional tribute after drummer dies in San Diego plane crash

Daniel Williams and Hannah Ray (Image via Instagram)
Daniel Williams and Hannah Ray (Image via Instagram)

The San Diego plane crash claimed the lives of everyone who was onboard the plane. Daniel Williams was one of the victims of the crash. He was the co-founder and drummer of the American metalcore band, The Devil Wears Prada. He played with the band for more than a decade, 11 years to be exact.

Daniel Williams' fianceé, Hannah Ray, posted a touching caption on Instagram sharing a personal detail with her followers, as well as the late drummer's fans. She mentioned that the fateful day Daniel Williams passed away was also the day of their 14th anniversary together.

In the caption, Ray wrote:

"We started our story together on May 22nd 2011.. 14 years later on May 22nd 2025 you left us way too soon…"

More details from Daniel Williams' fianceé tribute on Instagram

Hannah Ray started by expressing her shock at the loss of her partner and talking about how full of love Williams was. She wrote:

"My entire world is in shambles. The hole you’ve left in all of our lives and hearts can not be measured. One thing is beyond clear - How loved you are and how much you loved others, showed up and gave so much to everyone in your life. I can’t wrap my head around never getting to see you or touch you again. My heart has never felt this level of pain and I truly don’t know how to carry on without you."

She continued to express that the love she and the former Devil Wears Prada drummer shared was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love:

"You are my best friend, partner, fiance, my biggest fan in every way, the most supportive and positive soul I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing and truly showed me the kind of love people might only ever experience once in a lifetime ifat all."

She concluded the post by saying:

"I love you and miss you with every fiber of my being and will do my best to be the best I can for you every day still. I love you I love you I love you I love you."

Hannah Ray posted a long thread of photos that consists of her and Daniel Williams over the years. Fans and followers poured in their condolence messages in the comment section of Ray's tribute.


Daniel and five other people passed away in the plane crash. One of them was William's friend, Dave Shapiro, who was also a licensed pilot and flight instructor. The cause of the crash is still under investigation at the time of writing. Watch this space for more details.

Edited by Benidamika Jones Latam