‘Top Gun’ Director Tony Scott Dead from Apparent Suicide

Director Tony Scott, best known for the mega-hits ‘Top Gun,’ ‘Beverly Hills Cop 2′ and ‘Days of Thunder,’ died from an apparent suicide on Sunday when he jumped from the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro, CA.

According to a Los Angeles County coroner spokesman, Scott, 68, jumped from the bridge around 12:30pm. Several people witnessed the incident and immediately called 911. Scott’s body was recovered by a diving team from the LA Port Police.

Investigators found contact information in Scott’s Toyota Prius, which had been parked on the bridge, and a suicide note was later discovered in his office.

Simon Halls, a spokesman for the Scott family, confirmed the director’s death. “I can confirm that Tony Scott has passed away. The family asks that their privacy is respected at this time,” he said.

Born in England, Scott is the younger brother of acclaimed director Ridley Scott (‘Gladiator’), and is responsible for a slew of hits including ‘Man on Fire,’ ‘The Taking of Pelham 123,’ and ‘Unstoppable’ among many others.

Ron Howard, Jon Favreau and actor Michael Rapaport, who appeared in Scott’s film ‘True Romance,’ took to Twitter and sadly noted his passing. See tweets from other celebrities who worked with Scott and admired his films below.

No more Tony Scott movies. Tragic day

— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) August 20, 2012

Such sad news about Tony Scott. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

— Jon Favreau (@Jon_Favreau) August 20, 2012

RIP Tony. You were the kindest film director I ever worked for. You will be missed. ow.ly/d5Ngo

— Val Kilmer (@ValEKilmer) August 20, 2012

The death of Tony Scott is shocking and saddening. He was an inspired craftsman.

— Roger Ebert (@ebertchicago) August 20, 2012

Tony Scott director of my favorite movie man on fire.” I wish you had moretime “

— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) August 20, 2012