Oscar-Winning Composer James Horner Dies in Plane Crash

VENTURA, Calif. -- Oscar-winning composer James Horner has died in a Southern California plane crash. His death was confirmed by his assistant, Sylvia Patrycja, who said in a statement, “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.”

Ventura County fire spokesman Mike Lindbery said the crash happened around 9:30 a.m. Monday in the Los Padres National Forest.

Horner, 61, was piloting the plane and no one else was on board.

The Federal Aviation Administration says the plane was an S-312 Tucano MK1 turbo-prop with two seats.

Horner won two Oscars for his work on the 1997 film "Titanic," and also composed music for such films as "Aliens," "Braveheart," "A Beautiful Mind," "Avatar" and "Field of Dreams."

-- The Associated Press contributed to this report.