‘Top Gun’ Director Tony Scott Commits Suicide, Jumps To Death Off Bridge

Top Gun director Tony Scott committed suicide on Sunday afternoon after he plunged to his death of a Southern California bridge, according to authorities.

Scott, who is the younger brother of fellow director Ridley Scott, jumped “without hesitation” around 12:30 pm from the Vincent Thomas Bridge connecting San Pedro and Terminal Island in the Los Angeles area, reports The New York Daily News.

A suicide note was discovered on Scott’s Toyota Prius, which was abandoned on an eastbound lane of the bridge, according to US Coast Guard Lt. Jennifer Osburn.

CNN notes that Lt. Joe Bale of the coroner’s office is treating the death of Scott, 68, as a suicide, saying that, “There’s nothing to indicate it is anything else at this time.”

Following the breaking news of Tony Scott’s suspected suicide after he jumped to his death, members of the Hollywoood community as well as the director’s fans took to social media news sites to remember the director, known for his work in Top Gun, True Romance, Enemy of the State, and The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3.

According to Fox News, several people reported Scott’s jump by calling 911, but it was too late. Los Angeles police Lt. Tim Nordquisthas said that a diver team with the Los Angeles Port Police pulled Scott’s body from the murky water of the port several hours later. From there, the 68-year-old director’s body was taken to a dock in Wilmington and turned over to the county coroner’s office.

Tony and Ridley Scott ran Scott Free Productions and were working on a film called Killing Lincoln, which is based on the best selling book by Bill O’Reilly. Members of Hollywood took to Twitter after the news of Tony Scott’s death, saying:

No more Tony Scott movies. Tragic day

— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) August 20, 2012

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.

— Duncan Jones (@ManMadeMoon) August 20, 2012

Haunted by Tony Scott’s suicide today.Depression is real and should be treated as such.

— andy lassner (@andylassner) August 20, 2012