Film world loses a visionary director
British film director Tony Scott 68, has sadly committed suicide. The director is known for Hollywood blockbusters such as “Top Gun,” “Days of Thunder,” (both starring Tom Cruise) “Beverly Hills Cop II,” “Enemy of the State” and “The Taking of Pelham 123,” and is the younger brother of Director Sir Ridley Scott who he runs production company, Scott Free Films with.
The DailyBreeze reports that he jumped from the Vincent Thomas Bridge spanning San Pedro and Terminal Island by climbing a fence on the south side of the bridge’s apex at 12.30pm. He is said to have “leapt off “without hesitation” according to Los Angeles County coroner’s officials and port police.
A note with a list of contact details was found inside Scott’s black Toyota Prius, which was parked on one the eastbound lanes of the bridge. A suicide note was later found in his office according to U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Jennifer Osburn.
Scott leaves behind his third and current wife Donna Scott (who he met on the film “Days of Thunder),” and their two twin boys.
Tony and Ridley Scott, were co-producers on the CBS dramas “NUMB3RS” and “The Good Wife.” The upcoming C4/Reelz epic mini-series “World Without End” and they recently wrapped “Coma,” a four-hour, two-night medical thriller starring Ellen Burstyn set for release in September on A&E.
Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey, who helped port police, Los Angeles Police Department and California Highway Patrol search the water for the body said: “It’s a dolorous task and we’re working to treat the deceased with the utmost dignity and respect.” A dive team recovered his body around 4:30 p.m.
Many have been reported to have taken their lives by jumping from the span of the 6,060-foot bridge that links San Pedro with Terminal Island.
A spokesman for the Scott family said: “I can confirm that Mr. Scott has indeed passed away. The family asks that their privacy be respected at this time.”
Hollywood contemporaries shared their condolences on twitter…
“Just heard the news about Tony Scott,” said Moon director Duncan Jones. “Horrible… Tony was a truly lovely man who took me under his wing & ignited my passion to make films.”
Ron Howard tweeted: “No more Tony Scott movies. Tragic day.”
