Composer for 'Titanic,' 'Avatar' dies in plane crash: report

James Horner holds up two Oscars after winning for Best Original Song and Original Dramatic Score for his work on the movie ''Titanic'. ©REUTERS

James Horner, the celebrated composer for some of Hollywood's smash-hit films including "Titanic" and "Avatar," died Monday in a plane crash at the age of 61, US media reported.

Hollywood trade magazine Variety reported the composer died when his personal aircraft crashed in Santa Barbara, California, AFP reports.

"Brilliant Composer James Horner, friend & collaborator on 7 movies has tragically died in a plane crash. My heart aches for his loved ones," wrote director and colleague Ron Howard on Twitter.

Horner won an Oscar for his work on the song "My Heart Will Go On" in historical drama "Titanic." He was also nominated for an Academy Award six times for blockbuster movies including "Apollo 13," "Braveheart" and "Field of Dreams."