Oscar-winning composer James Horner has died at age 61. The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Horner was aboard a small private plane that crashed near Santa Barbara, CA. The accident occurred on Monday morning (June 22).

A trained pilot, Horner is believed to have been alone aboard the aircraft, which crashed north of Santa Barbara on Monday morning. His assistant, Sylvia Patrycja, confirmed his death in a Facebook post, saying, "A great tragedy has struck my family today, and I will not be around for a while. I would like some privacy and time to heal."

She continued, "We have lost an amazing person with a huge heart, and unbelievable talent. He died doing what he loved. Thank you for all your support and love and see you down the road. Love Sylvia."

Horner won an Original Dramatic Score Oscar for his work on James Cameron's Titanic in 1997. He and lyricist Will Jennings took a second Academy Award that year for Original Song. “My Heart Will Go On,” performed by Celine Dion, has sold 27 million copies worldwide.

The composer turned in a formidable body of work over the course of his 35-year career, and film buffs will undoubtably have a few favorites. Here are seven of Horner's very best contributions to cinema.

  • "My Heart Will Go On"

    Horner co-wrote the Titanic hit with Will Jennings, who penned the lyrics. It remains one of Dion's most popular songs.

  • "Somewhere Out There"

    The ballad from An American Tail was a Best Original Song nominee at the 1987 Oscars. Cartoon mice Fievel and Tanya sing the duet in the movie, but Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram's version was a radio hit. Horner co-wrote the song with Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.

  • 'Braveheart' Soundtrack

    Nominated for Best Original Score in 1996, Horner's compositions were performed by the London Symphony Orchestra.

  • 'Avatar' Soundtrack

    Horner soundtracked the adventures in Pandora in another collaboration with James Cameron in 2009. He also co-wrote "I See You" for Leona Lewis.

  • "Sarah's Theme" from the 'Hocus Pocus' Soundtrack

    John Debney composed the original soundtrack for the cult classic starring Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker, but Horner co-wrote the standout "Sarah's Theme" with Brock Walsh.

  • 'Glory' Soundtrack

    Horner captured the spirit of the Civil War in the soundtrack for the drama starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman. He won a 1991 Grammy for Best Instrumental Composition Written for a Motion Picture or for Television.

  • 'Jumanji' Soundtrack

    Proving his range extended far beyond stately Academy Award bait, Horner's score for the 1995 adaptation of the classic children's book perfectly elevates the whimsy of the Robin Williams film.

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