Oscar winning Titanic composer James Horner dies in plane crash
The trained pilot was flying a small private plane in California.
Oscar winning composer James Horner has died in a plane crash at the age of 61.
The trained pilot was flying a small private plane near Quatal Canyon in California when it crashed on Monday morning.
Local authorities have said that Horner flying the Tucano turboprop aircraft alone and no other passengers were on board.
The crash left an impact crater and firefighters were called to put out the resulting bush fire.
Howard’s personal assistant Sylvia Patrycja wrote on Facebook: "We have lost an amazing person with a huge heart, and unbelievable talent. He died doing what he loved. Thank you for all your support and love and see you down the road."
Active from 1978 to his death, Horner composed the scores for dozens of movies including Braveheart, Avatar, Apollo 13, Troy, Apocalypto and The Boy In The Stripped Pyjamas.
In 1997 he won the Best Original Dramatic Score and Best Original Song Oscars for ‘My Heart Will Go On’ from Titanic.
Actor and director Ron Howard tweeted: "Brilliant Composer James Horner, friend & collaborator on 7 movies has tragically died in a plane crash. My heart aches for his loved ones."