(RxWiki News) Tony Scott, the man who brought movies like "Top Gun," "Enemy of the State" and "Man on Fire" to the big screen, died Sunday in an apparent suicide at age 68.
Scott climbed a fence on the Vincent Thomas Bridge in Los Angeles and jumped "without hesitation" around 12:30 p.m., according to the Associated Press.
"Suicide is never the answer. Call 1-800-273-8255 for help."
A dive team recovered his body several hours later, and the Los Angeles County Coroner's office has stated it is investigating Scott's death as a suicide.
Scott left a note with contact information in his car, parked in one of the eastbound lanes of the bridge, and he left a suicide note at his office. He leaves behind his wife, actress Donna Scott, and their twin sons.
Scott is known for directing and producing some of the biggest action films of the past few decades, working frequently with stars like Tom Cruise and Denzel Washington.
He directed "Top Gun," "Beverly Hills Cop II," "Days of Thunder," "The Last Boy Scout," "True Romance," "Crimson Tide," "Enemy of the State," "Man on Fire" and the remake of "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3."
He produced the currently playing film "Prometheus" and was slated to produce its sequel, as well as a number of other film and television projects.
He was an executive producer for dozens of television shows and series, including "The Good Wife" and "Numbe3rs," both of which he co-produced with his equally famous brother, director and producer Ridley Scott.
The Scott brothers ran Scott Free Productions together and produced the 2011 documentary "Gettysburg" for The History Channel. Scott has been nominated for 7 Emmys and a host of other awards for films and television shows.
"No more Tony Scott movies. Tragic day," tweeted director Ron Howard on Sunday night.
"So very, very sorry to hear of the death of Tony Scott. A terrible, terrible loss of a truly talented, brilliant man," tweeted actress Martha Plimpton.
While it is impossible to know at this point whether Scott was displaying symptoms of depression, there are observable warning signs that a person is at risk of suicide.
"The emotional crises that usually precede suicide are often recognizable and treatable," according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). "Although most depressed people are not suicidal, most suicidal people are depressed."
One sign of serious depression is withdrawing from usual activities or no longer showing enjoyment of activities that once made someone happy.
Other signs include feeling or showing anxiety, hopelessness, desperation, pessimism or a blue mood that a person simply can't kick.
People who are depressed or at risk for suicide may also have difficulties sleeping or want to sleep more often than usual. They may show changes in appetite or increase their use of alcohol or drugs.
There are also a few signs that are very specific to suicide risk, such as symptoms that a person has made "a plan," according to the AFSP.
If a person has begun to give away prized possessions or begun talking or writing about suicide, these could be warning signs. So could a sudden, impulsive purchase of a firearm or another method of suicide, such as medications that can be used in an overdose.
If you suspect someone may be experiencing depression or if they begin to withdraw from social or other enjoyable activities, talk to them. Let them know that depression is not a sign of weakness and is a treatable condition
Encourage them to seek help. They can start by calling a hotline, such as 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).
The most important thing is to continue to support them, encourage them to get help, and remind them that depression and anxiety can be treated. Suicide is never the answer.
Photo from AP.
