http://www.contracostatimes.com/...
British film director Tony Scott, known for such Hollywood blockbusters as "Top Gun," "Days of Thunder," "Beverly Hills Cop II" and "The Taking of Pelham 123," jumped to his death Sunday from the Vincent Thomas Bridge spanning San Pedro and Terminal Island, according to Los Angeles County coroner's officials.
Scott, 68, climbed a fence on the south side of the bridge's apex and leapt off "without hesitation" around 12:30 p.m., according to the Coroner's Department and port police.
A suicide note was found inside Scott's black Toyota Prius, which was parked on one of the eastbound lanes of the bridge, said U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Jennifer Osburn.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please take a moment and click here
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Or call this number
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
And for veterans or servicemembers:
Veterans' Crisis Line
Follow me after the jump for a look back at this unique and talented filmmaker we lost today.
Sun Aug 19, 2012 at 11:05 PM PT: Perhaps unsurprisingly, my personal favorite of all of Scott's films was True Romance. While I of course loved it for Quentin's script, Scott's contributions as director are not to be discounted. The film is shot with energy and color. Funny, fast paced, and cobbled together one of the greatest ensemble casts of all time. Scott gets inspired performances from Gary Oldman, Dennis Hopper, Christopher Walken. With 'before they were stars' appearances by Samuel L Jackson, Brad Pitt, and James Gandolfini. Scott's flare for action is used here to ramp up the suspense to earsplitting levels in several key sequences. All while never letting go of its deliciously pulpy and fun center. Its a blast.