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Tony Scott, director of blockbusters Top Gun and Days of Thunder, jumped to his death Sunday from the Vincent Thomas Bridge – authorities said.
According to the Associated Press, Scott (68) climbed a fence on the bridge and jumped around 12:30 p.m. One report quoted a coroner’s report that said Scott jumped “without hesitation.”
U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Jennifer Osburn told the Daily Breeze that a suicide note was found inside Scott’s black Toyota Prius, which was parked on one of the eastbound lanes of the bridge.
Authorities used sonar equipment to find Scott’s body in the port’s murky waters. Divers recovered his body about 4:30 pm.
Scott was director of Tom Cruise’s Top Gun, as well as Beverly Hills Cop II and the remake of The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3.

Tony Scott.

The 68-year-old Scott’s death was being investigated as a suicide, Los Angeles County Coroner’s Lt. Joe Bale said.
“I can confirm that Tony Scott has passed away. The family asks that their privacy is respected at this time” – Scott’s spokesman, Simon Halls, said in a statement.
Several people called 911 around 12:35 p.m. to report that someone had jumped from the Vincent Thomas Bridge spanning San Pedro and Terminal Island in Los Angeles Harbor, according to Los Angeles police Lt. Tim Nordquist.
A dive team with Los Angeles Port Police pulled the body from the murky water several hours later – Nordquist said. Scott’s body was taken to a dock in Wilmington and turned over to the county coroner’s office.
One lane of the eastbound side of the bridge was closed to traffic during the investigation. Cargo vessels moved at reduced speeds through the east side of the port’s main channel during the search, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey.
Investigators found a note in Scott’s black Toyota Prius, which was parked on the bridge – according to the Los Angeles Times. That note listed contact information. A suicide note was later found at his office.
The British-born Scott, who lived in Beverly Hills, was producer and director Ridley Scott’s younger brother. Distinct visual styles mark both siblings’ films – Ridley Scott mastering the creation of entire worlds with such films as “Gladiator,” “Blade Runner,” “Alien” and this year’s “Prometheus,” Tony Scott known for hyper-kinetic action and editing on such films as his most recent, the runaway train thriller “Unstoppable,” starring regular collaborator Denzel Washington.

After hearing of his apparant suicide, celebs have gone to Twitter to offer their condolensces for the late director.
Ron Howard: “No more Tony Scott movies. Tragic day”
Duncan Jones: “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. 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.”
Lee Unkrich: “Shocked to hear about Tony Scott’s suicide. Terrible news.”
James Gunn: “RIP Tony Scott. Damn. He was a huge inspiration. Very sad.”
Brian Bendis: “ugh! i am a HUGE tony Scott fan. that is horrible news. RIP.”
Michael Rapaport: “There hasnt been 1 day since it came out that some1 doesnt say to me “I love #TrueRomance” Tony Scott was a sweet enthusiastic & lovin man.”
Elijah Wood: “awful news about Tony Scott. rest in peace.”
Robert Rodriguez: “Tony Scott. Damn. Great knowing you, buddy. Thanks for the inspiration, advice, encouragement, and the decades of great entertainment.”
Martha Plimpton: “So very, very sorry to hear of the death of Tony Scott. A terrible, terrible loss of a truly talented, brilliant man.”
Michael De Luca: “My heart breaks for Tony Scott and his loved ones, my prayers and thoughts go out to them. Stunned and sad.”
Josh Charles: “I’m deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Tony Scott’s death and my thoughts and prayers are with his family tonight.”
Adam Shankman: “My heart stopped when I heard of the tragic death of 1 of r most inspiring directors, Tony Scott. Rest In Peace Tony. U will be missd so…”