LAPD is investigating the apparent drowning of a crew member on the set of forthcoming Johnny Depp film The Lone Ranger, near Los Angeles.

The unnamed 48-year-old diver is thought to have suffered a heart attack while cleaning out a pool that was going to be used in the film.

He was pronounced dead on Friday according to the coroner’s spokesman.

The Lone Ranger, due to be released in July 2013, is a remake of the classic adventure with Johnny Depp as Native American spirit warrior Tonto and Armie Hammer in the title role

Walt Disney studios said: “Our hearts and thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues at this time.”

Spokesman Paul Roeder added in a statement: “Our full support is behind the investigation into the circumstances of this terrible event.”

Police revealed the man had been wearing scuba equipment to carry out maintenance on a deep pool on a ranch near Palmdale, in the desert north of Los Angeles, where the Western is being filmed.

It is thought he was preparing a tank for an underwater scene to be shot at a later date.

The Lone Ranger, due to be released in July 2013, is a remake of the classic adventure with Johnny Depp as Native American spirit warrior Tonto and Armie Hammer in the title role.

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