A crew member on the Los Angeles set of JOHNNY DEPP's new film THE LONE RANGER has died after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Emergency service officials raced to save the unnamed man's life on Friday morning (21Sep12) but he was pronounced dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital.

TMZ.com reports the deceased was a diver who was prepping a water scene in a tank on the set.

A statement from Disney - the studio behind the film - reads: "We regretfully confirm that a Lone Ranger crew member has passed away after being taken to a local hospital.

"Our hearts and thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues at this time, and our full support is behind the investigation into the circumstances of this terrible event."

It is not believed Depp was on set when the tragedy occurred - the actor is in New York preparing for an appearance at a launch to promote his friend and West Memphis Three member Damien Echols' new book Life After Death.