‘Titanic’ Composer James Horner Dies in Plane Crash at Age 61
Hollywood has sadly lost another film icon.
Titanic composer James Horner died Monday morning when his single-engine plane crashed in Southern California. The 61-year-old was later confirmed dead by his assistant, Sylvia Patrycja.
“We have lost an amazing person with a huge heart, and unbelievable talent,” Patrycja wrote on her Facebook page on the evening of Monday, June 22. “He died doing what he loved. Thank you for all your support and love and see you down the road.”
James in January 1998.
James was one of the most popular film composers in the last 30 years and worked on blockbuster movies including Avatar, Braveheart, Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind, among others.
In 1997, he was awarded two Academy Awards (Best Original Dramatic Score and Best Original Song) for Titanic. The movie’s soundtrack — which featured hit song “My Heart Will Go On,” performed by Céline Dion — remains the highest-selling film score album of all time.
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Throughout his career, James received a total of eight Oscar nominations, won two Golden Globes and was nominated for three British Academy Film Awards.
James is survived by his wife, Sarah Horner, and their two children.
Following the news of his tragic death, several celebrities took to social media to pay tribute to the late star.
He wrote me a song that has such special meaning to me. We’ll always remember you, James. RIP. #genius http://t.co/S4SJUuDUrW
— josh groban (@joshgroban) June 23, 2015
“Rene and I are deeply saddened by the tragic death of James Horner. We will miss him.”http://t.co/7BRTs0phWD
— Celine Dion (@celinedion) June 23, 2015
My sincere condolences to the family, loved ones and friends of James Horner. #abeautifulmind
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) 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
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