The iconic film composer known for his beloved scores for Field of Dreams, Braveheart and Titanic, James Horner, died Monday in a plane crash near Santa Barbara. He was 61 years old.
As The Hollywood Reporter writes, Horner was piloting a small, single-engine aircraft when it crashed into a remote area 60 miles north of Santa Barbara. Another report cited that the plane had gone down but the pilot had not been identified, despite it being registered in Horner's name.
His assistant, Sylvia Patrycja, who confirmed the composer's death, said on Facebook:
"A great tragedy has struck my family today, and I will not be around for a while. I would like some privacy and time to heal. 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. Love Sylvia."
Mr. Horner was known as a prolific film composer. Having composed scores for more than 70 films, his work included his breakthrough score for Star Trek II all the way to A Beautiful Mind starring Russell Crowe. In 1986, Horner received multiple awards for his contributions to the film An American Trail--which included a co-write on the song "Somewhere Out There."
His career would later take off in the 1990s when he would accrue six of his 12 Grammy Awards. In '96, he was be nominated for two films (Apollo 13 and Braveheart) and, a year later, won for his work on the Titanic score and the Celine Dion single, "My Heart Will Go On."
His collaborations with James Cameron, though, wouldn't end there as he also composed the score for Avatar. It's been noted, too, that his music will also be featured in the upcoming boxing flick, Southpaw.
Horner's father, Harry Horner, was a noted Hollywood production designer.
A most untimely tragedy, we extend our condolences to Mr. Horner's family and loved ones.
