British film director Scott in bridge ‘suicide’

The 68-year-old, originally from North Shields, was best known for Hollywood blockbusters Top Gun, Days Of Thunder and Beverley Hills Cop II. He was the younger brother of film-maker Ridley Scott.

Scott leapt from the Vincent Thomas Bridge spanning San Pedro and Terminal Island in Los Angeles.

Lieutenant Joe Bale of Los Angeles County Coroner’s office said Scott’s death was being treated as a suicide. A US Coast Guard spokeswoman told local newspaper The Daily Breeze that a suicide note was found inside Scott’s car, a black Toyota Prius, which was found parked on an eastbound lane of the bridge.

Film director Duncan Jones, who directed Moon and Source Code, wrote on Twitter: “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.”

He added: “Awww Tony. Wish you had felt there was a way to keep going. What a sad waste. My thoughts go out to his wife and beautiful children.”

Director Ron Howard also paid tribute to Scott, writing on Twitter: “No more Tony Scott movies. Tragic day.”

A dive team pulled Scott’s body from the water several hours after members of the public alerted emergency services, having seen him jump from the bridge.

Scott, who lived in Beverly Hills, was married to the actress Donna Scott, with whom he had twin sons.

He ran Scott Free Productions with his brother and the pair were working on a film called Killing Lincoln.

Other films produced by Scott included True Romance, Crimson Tide, Enemy Of The State and Man On Fire.

Other prominent names in the film industry took to Twitter to express their sadness.

Actor Elijah Wood said: “Awful news about Tony Scott. rest in peace.”

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

Actor Nick Frost wrote: “Terribly sad news about Tony Scott. Rest in peace.”