James Horner, the film composer who is best known for his moving scores for the movies Field of Dreams, Braveheart and Titanic, which he won two Academy Awards for, died on Monday in a plane crash near Santa Barbara.

Horner was 61 years old. His death was confirmed by Sylvia Patrycja, who is identified on his film music page as his assistant.

"We have lost an amazing person with a huge heart and unbelievable talent, wrote Patrycja on Facebook on Monday. "He died doing what he loved. Thank you for all your support and love and see you down the road."

Horner was piloting a single engine S312 Tucano turboprop plane when it crashed about 60 miles north of Santa Barbara into a remote area, according to reports from officials.

An earlier report noted that the plane, which was registered to the composer, had gone down, but the pilot had not been identified.

His agency, Gorfaine/Schwartz, said in a statement released on Tuesday, "It is with the deepest regret and sorrow that we mourn the tragic passing of our dear colleague, long time client and great friend, composer James Horner. ... Our thoughts and prayers are with James' family at this difficult time, and also with the millions of people around the world who loved his music. A shining light has been extinguished which can never be replaced."

The statement went on to say that it was an honor and a privilege to have worked with him since the day that the agency was formed and that for over thirty years, his creative genius has been changing lives.