UPDATED: Tony Scott Suicide

UPDATE: ABC News reported that Scott had recently been diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer, but the Los Angeles Times reports that the family has come out and denied these reports. In the latest development, the LA coroner’s office is unable to determine cause of death until the toxicology tests are back. But according to the chief coroner, the family told his office that Scott did not have brain cancer.

Police have not released details on what was in the notes that Scott left behind. According to a witness, the director “looked nervous” before climbing the fence, contradicting early reports that Scott jumped “without hesitation”.

We’ll continue to update as the story develops.

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Los Angeles officials have confirmed that British director/producer Tony Scott jumped to his death today.

Witnesses saw Scott climb the fence on the Vincent Thomas bridge in San Pedro, CA and jump into the Los Angeles Harbor about 12:30 Sunday afternoon. His body was found about four hours later, and he was positively identified about 7pm. The jump was described by authorities as “without hesitation”.

Scott left behind a note in his car, and early reports had this as a suicide note. But other reports say this note gave directions for authorities to visit his home, where the actual suicide note was found. No details yet on what was in the note itself.

Scott, along with his brother Ridley, was a prolific director and producer. Their company, Scott Free Productions, has just completed production of the new A&E version of Coma, which will air Labor Day weekend. As a director, Scott delivered such films as Top Gun, The Last Boy Scout, Enemy of the State, Beverly Hills Cop II, and Unstoppable. Scott also produced a number of genre projects, including Prometheus and the remake of The Andromeda Strain.

He is survived by his wife and twin sons.

[San Bernadino Sun]     [Entertainment Weekly]     [Los Angeles Times]