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Titanic Composer Feared Dead In Plane Crash

Oscar-winning Titanic composer James Horner is feared dead after a single-engine plane registered to him crashed in southern California.

The crash happened at around 9.30am local time on Monday near Quatal Canyon in Los Padres National Forest, Ventura County fire spokesman Mike Lindbery said.

The identity of the pilot has not been officially released, but Jay Cooper, a lawyer for Mr Horner, said no one has heard from him since the crash.

He said: "It was his plane and if he wasn't in it, he would've called."

The agency in Los Angeles who represents Mr Horner has said they are still awaiting confirmation he was the pilot.

In an official statement, the Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency added: "We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn that his single-engine aircraft was involved in a fatal crash yesterday (Monday) morning in northern Ventura County.

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with James' family at this difficult time. We can offer no further comment for the time being, except to ask that the family's privacy be respected in the days ahead."

No one else was on board the plane, which is one of several owned by the 61-year-old composer.

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

Crews put out a fire that erupted in vegetation surrounding the crash site about 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

Mr 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, which was sung by Celine Dion.

In a statement on her website Dion said: "Rene and I are deeply saddened by the tragic death of James Horner.

"He will always remain a great composer in our hearts. James played an important part in my career. We will miss him. We offer his family and friends our deepest sympathy."

Mr Horner's scores for Aliens, Apollo 13, Field Of Dreams, Braveheart, A Beautiful Mind, House Of Sand And Fog and Avatar also earned Oscar nominations, as did his original song, Somewhere Out There from An American Tail.

His next film to be released is Southpaw which stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Rachel McAdams which is released on 24 July.

"Brilliant Composer James Horner, friend & collaborator on 7 movies has tragically died in a plane crash. My heart aches for his loved ones," wrote director Ron Howard on Twitter.

Russell Crowe, who was nominated for an Oscar for A Beautiful Mind, tweeted: "My sincere condolences to the family, loved ones and friends of James Horner #abeautifulmind."

Kirstie Alley wrote: "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."