The Oscar winning composer who created music for the likes of Titanic has died in a plane crash.

James Horner, who is 61 and is a trained pilot, was involved in a crash north of Santa Barbara on Monday (June 22).

He is reported to have been alone on a small private plane at the time.

Horner helmed the soundtrack of hit 1997 film Titanic, which won an Academy Award.

That piece of work included the hit Celine Dion song 'My Heart Will Go On'.

The composer also contributed music to movies such as Braveheart and A Beautiful Mind.

Dion has released a statement to say she is "deeply saddened" by the news.

The singer added: "He will always remain a great composer in our hearts. James played an important part in my career. We will miss him. We offer his family and friends our deepest sympathy."

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Listen to a playlist of James Horner work below: