Although looking nervous, the 'Top Gun' director reportedly 'was very methodical' and 'knew what he planned to do' before throwing himself off the bridge.
- Aug 22, 2012
AceShowbiz - Moments before Tony Scott jumped to his death were revealed by an eyewitness. David Silva, who was a passenger of a car on the Vincent Thomas Bridge, told Los Angeles Times that the director "was on the roadway close to the fence looking around. He was looking around and fumbling with something at his feet. He looked nervous."
David said the "Top Gun" director donned a sporty orange-and-gray attire with shorts. "He was very methodical. He knew what he planned to do," he remembered. "He looked very fit. I cannot imagine that someone in his position would do something like that." He continued, "I thought it was some extreme sports guy."
David quickly called 911 when realizing the man didn't have parachute or other safety equipment. "He paused a couple of seconds and then began to climb the fence. He put his foot on the top of the fence and paused again. And then he threw himself off. I immediately thought, that guy is dead," he said.
The incident is investigated as a suicide, and the cause of his death hasn't been officially released pending the results of toxicology tests. There were some reports that the helmer had cancer, but his wife Donna Wilson dismissed the report. She also ruled out story that he had serious health problems that would have led him to take his own life.
Tony reportedly worked on "Top Gun 2" with Tom Cruise before his death. He left a suicide letter at his office and another note containing his contact information inside a black Toyota Prius he parked near the bridge. He was 68 years old. He is survived by his wife and his twin sons, Frank and Max.
The likes of Tom, John Travolta, Nicole Kidman and Dakota Fanning have since offered condolence in the wake of the tragic incident. Nicole who played in his directed movie "Days of Thunder", said, "I'm so so sad. I loved Tony and he was always so good to me. He will be deeply missed by so many of us that knew him."
John, who starred in "The Taking of Pelham 123", said, "Tony was one of my favorite directors I've ever worked with and was one of my favorite people, a truly inspired talent. Everyone loved Tony." Gene Hackman of "Crimson Tide" added, "Tony was always sensitive to the needs of an actor. We've lost a wonderful, creative talent."
Dakota ("Man of Fire") stated, "It is difficult to find the right words to express the sadness I feel. I had the privilege of working with Tony on the film Man on Fire and that experience helped to shape the actor and person I am today. Tony was a visionary with an adventurous spirit and a huge heart. Thank you, Tony. I will never forget your kindness to me and I will always cherish our memories together. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his wife Donna and their two sons."
Even other stars, who never worked with Tony but were touched by his works, reached out to pay tribute to him. Justin Timberlake tweeted, "So sad to hear the news about Tony Scott. His movies made growing up more fun for me. My prayers and condolences to the Scott family." Chris Rock wrote, "Tony Scott director of my favorite movie man on fire."
