Oscar-winning Titanic composer dies in plane crash

Ventura  — Oscar-winning Titanic composer James Horner died in a plane crash Monday in Southern California. He was 61 years old.

It was earlier reported that a small plane registered to the composer had gone down but the identity of the pilot had not been confirmed.

Sylvia Patrycja, his personal assistant confirmed his death on Facebook.

The crash happened at about 09:30 near Quatal Canyon in Los Padres National Forest, Ventura County fire spokesman Mike Lindbery said.

The plane was an S-312 Tucano MK1 turbo-prop with two seats, said Ian Gregor, spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration.

Crews extinguished a fire that erupted in vegetation surrounding the remote crash site, about 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

Horner has been nominated for 10 Academy Awards, winning two for 1997's best picture, Titanic. He composed the film's score and its enduring theme song, My Heart Will Go On, sung by Celine Dion.

His scores for Alien, Apollo 13, Field of Dreams, Braveheart, A Beautiful Mind, House of Sand and Fog and Avatar also earned Oscar nods, as did his original song, Somewhere Out There, from An American Tail.

Celebrities have taken to Twitter to express their condolences.

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

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

James Horner is a major loss. Composed many of my favorite scores. I know what I'll be listening to on my way to set in the morning. RIP.

— Peter Atencio (@Atencio) June 23, 2015

RIP James Horner. Thank U for the beautiful music. We will miss what beautiful music was yet to come

— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) 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

I am so sad to learn of the passing of the incredibly gifted composer James Horner. I had the honor… https://t.co/hFdIPZEVEj

— Deborah Cox (@Deborah_Cox) June 23, 2015

Omg... I just found out about James Horner... Amazing talent. RIP

— Skylar Grey (@SkylarGrey) June 23, 2015