The Hunger Director Tony Scott Takes His Own Life

Film director Tony Scott, brother of Ridley Scott, has taken his own life at the age of 68, reports BBC News.

The director of The Hunger, Top Gun and Days Of Thunder – who was also a producer on Prometheus – threw himself from the Vincent Thomas Bridge, which spans San Pedro and Terminal Island in Los Angeles at around 12.30pm LA time.

He left a list of contacts in his car, and a suicide note in his office. Witnesses say he left his car, climbed over a fence and threw himself into the river below without hesitation. His body was recovered from the harbour less than three hours later.

“We will go where the facts take us. We have no reason to believe it was not a suicide,” said Lt Joe Bale from the coroner’s office.

Tributes have been posted on Twitter, including:

Ron Howard: “No more Tony Scott movies. Tragic day”

David Boreanaz: “Just so sad about Tony Scott. R.I.P.”

Morgan Spurlock: “RIP Tony Scott – so sad to hear this”

Harry Knowles: “I’ve always felt that Tony Scott really clearly defined the look of the modern blockbuster film. His work was pure great looking filmmaking.”

James Gunn: “RIP Tony Scott. Damn. He was a huge inspiration. Very sad.”

Robert Rodriguez: “Tony Scott. Damn. Great knowing you, buddy. Thanks for the inspiration, advice, encouragement, and the decades of great entertainment.”

Stephen Fry: “Deeply saddened to hear the news about Tony Scott. A fine film-maker and the most charming, modest man.”

Duncan Jones: “Just heard about Tony Scott news. Horrible… Tony was a truly lovely man who took me under his wing & ignited my passion to make films.”

Brian Michael Bendis: “ugh! i am a HUGE tony Scott fan. that is horrible news. RIP.”