'Top Gun' director Tony Scott dead at 68 after jumping off bridge
Published Aug 20 2012, 05:14 BST | By Christian Tobin
© WENN
The Top Gun helmer, and the brother of Sir Ridley Scott, threw himself off the Vincent Thomas Bridge at around 12.30pm on Sunday in an apparent suicide, according to the Los Angeles County coroner's office.
The US Coast Guard said that a suicide note was found inside the 68-year-old's car, parked on one of the eastbound lanes of the bridge, reports the Daily Breeze.
The Vincent Thomas Bridge spans San Pedro and Terminal Island and rises 185 feet at its highest point above the water.
Authorities used sonar equipment to find Tony's body in the murky waters, after eyewitnesses reported a man jumping off the bridge. His body was recovered by a dive team at roughly 4.30pm.
The British-born director was responsible for films such as Days of Thunder, Beverly Hills Cop II, True Romance, Enemy of the State and The Taking of Pelham 123. His last film was 2010's Unstoppable.
He has also executive produced TV shows including Numb3rs and The Good Wife, and directed music videos for George Michael and Kenny Loggins.
Tony leaves behind wife Donna Scott, whom he married in 1994, and twin sons Max and Frank.
> Tony Scott dies, aged 68: Stars pay tribute to 'Top Gun' director
Watch Digital Spy interview Tony Scott about Unstoppable in 2010 below:
Tony Scott's career in pictures:
Copyright: MGM/Everett
The Hunger (1983)
Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie and Susan Sarandon led the cast of Tony Scott's feature directorial debut, which centred on an Egyptian vampire who survives by drinking the blood of her lovers.
so sad that he felt this was the only way out. hopefully he's at peace now
August 20th 2012 at 6:38pm
Shocking news as he seemed to have it all - successful career, talent, everything. Like similarly tragic Gary Speed you just don't know what's going on in a persons head.
August 20th 2012 at 3:28pm(+2 likes)
Apparently he had inoperable brain cancer, poor bloke. :-(
He directed one of my favourite films; Crimson Tide. So terribly sad.
August 20th 2012 at 10:04pm
Such sad news. Thoughts go out to his family and friends. Another great talent tragically taken from us. RIP Tony Scott - Fellow North-eastener.
August 20th 2012 at 2:38pm(+1 like)
Very sad. Terrific filmmaker. Some of his recent films have been very entertaining.
Let's hope people will now realise what a talent he actually was.
August 20th 2012 at 1:36pm
Thoughts go out to his Family, Friends and Children in this heartbreaking time for them x
August 20th 2012 at 12:42pm