Director Tony Scott, whose signature works included Top Gun, has jumped to his death from a bridge in San Pedro, California, the city coroner's office has confirmed.

Police and coast guard officials pulled Scott's body out of the water near the Vincent Thomas Bridge, AFP reported.

According to the Los Angeles Times, investigators found a suicide note in Scott's car, which was parked on the bridge.

The contents of the note has not been revealed.

According to the Los Angeles Times, several witnesses saw Scott (68) climb over a fence on the bridge and jump into the water.

According to celebrity website TMZ, authorities used sonar equipment to locate Scott's body in the murky waters. His body was recovered at 4.30pm – four hours after he jumped – before being turned over to the coroner.

"I can confirm that Tony Scott has indeed passed away," the late director's spokeswoman, Katherine Rowe, told reporters. "The family asks that their privacy be respected at this time."

Scott – the younger brother of Alien director Ridley Scott – started his career under his brother's patronage in the early 1970s, and directed thousands of television commercials for his brother's company.

He made his mark in 1986 when he directed Top Gun, a blockbuster about navy pilots featuring Tom Cruise, which became one of the highest-grossing films of the year.

Besides Top Gun, Scott also helmed Enemy of the State, Beverly Hills Cop II, Crimson Tide, Unstoppable and a 2009 remake of The Taking of Pelham 123.

Scott was married to his third wife, and the couple had twin sons.