Oscar-winning film composer James Horner dead at 61: Award winner was killed in a plane crash north of Santa Barbara late Monday.
Composer James Horner dead at 61
Academy Award winning composer James Horner has died at the age of 61. Horner was resposible for some of the most memorable and most loved film soundtracks of our time having worked on the likes of Willow, Aliens, Field Of Dreams, A Beautiful Mind and his 1997 double-award winning score and title song ‘My Heart Will Go On‘ from Titanic. The Titanic album sold a huge 27 million copies worldwide.
Horner went missing in a light aircraft around 60 miles north of Santa Barbara on Monday afternoon local time. His death was confirmed by his assistant Sylvia Patrycja on his official Facebook page.
The full statement read:
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.
Horner’s work with James Cameron continued with the box-office smash Avatar in 2009, a film which would see his score nominated for an Oscar. During his career, he notched up ten nominations in all and his work continued right up until his death, with scores for Southpaw, The 33 and Wolf Totem due for release within the next 12 months.
As you may expect, Hollywood reacted with great sadness, with former colleagues commenting on the great loss to the industry.
Brilliant Composer James Horner, friend & collaborator on 7 movies has tragically died in a plane crash. My heart aches for his loved ones.
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) June 23, 2015
Incredibly saddened to hear about the loss of James Horner. I grew up loving his work. He leaves behind a spectacular musical legacy.
— Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) June 23, 2015
James Horner helped define my love of cinema as a child. One of the greatest film composers of all time. So tragic if he is gone.
— Richard Kelly (@JRichardKelly) June 23, 2015
"If we hold on together, I know our dreams will never die. Dreams see us through to forever." RIP James Horner. You'll be sadly missed.
— James Wan (@creepypuppet) June 23, 2015
Rest in peace.
