Hollywood is in mourning following the death of James Horner, the Oscar-winning film composer famed for his work in films like Titanic, Legends of the Fall, and Braveheart. Horner, 61, was killed when the small aircraft he was piloting went down near Santa Barbara, The Hollywood Reporter confirms. The news was first announced by his assistant, Sylvia Patrycia.
Horner was a frequent collaborator of director James Cameron. His work for Titanic won him two Oscars, including a Best Original Song win for the Celine Dion ballad, "My Heart Will Go On." Dion has released a statement saying she and husband René are "deeply saddened" by his death.
The composer was also known for his work in Field of Dreams, Jumanji, An American Tail, Willow, Patriot Games, Apollo 13, Aliens, and Avatar. He was reportedly working on scores for the Avatar sequels, and recently worked on the upcoming Jake Gyllenhaal film Southpaw.
Director Ron Howard and composers Alan Menken and Marc Shaiman are among those expressing their grief and words of praise. "I count James Horner among the very best film composers of our generation," Menken shared.
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