Academy Award-winning film music composer James Horner has died. But according to someone close to him, "he died doing what he loved."
Horner was killed Monday when his small airplane crashed, according to "The Hollywood Reporter."
Anyone who's been to the movies in the past 30 years has probably been moved by some of Horner's music — whether they knew it or not. The 61-year-old composer penned the score for two of the highest-grossing movies of all time, "Titanic" and "Avatar."
He also wrote the music for "48 Hrs.," "Field of Dreams," "Apollo 13" and "Braveheart," among many others.
Horner won two Oscars for his work on "Titanic" — including co-writing the iconic song "My Heart Will Go On" — and was nominated for eight more Oscars in his career.
Audiences can next hear his work in the Jake Gyllenhaal film "Southpaw," which hits theaters on July 24.
"The Hollywood Reporter" quoted a Facebook post from Sylvia Patrycja, identified as Horner's assistant, which stated the composer had passed.
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...
Posted by Sylvia Patrycja on Monday, June 22, 2015
Several of Horner's colleagues and admirers from the movie business took to Twitter to react to his passing.
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
There is nothing that shaped my movie-going experience more than the musical genius of James Horner. He will live on through the ages.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) June 23, 2015
I"m so sad to hear about James Horner..He scored the first movie I did..Star Trek 2...great composer..great person...huge loss
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) June 23, 2015
Clint Davis is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @MrClintDavis.
