Oscar-winning composer of You Light Up My Life Joseph Brooks blew out the candle in his life as he was found dead in his New York apartment Sunday morning. The scene suggested a suicide.

Brooks, 73, was discovered around 12:30 p.m. by a friend whom he had a lunch date with, said police.

The body had a plastic bag wrapped around the head, and a helium tank with a hose attachment was found nearby and may have used for the apparent suicide, according to police.

A suicide note was found of which the contents have not been disclosed. An official autopsy will be performed.

Brooks was awaiting trial on rape charged. In 2009, Brooks pleaded 'not guilty' to a variety of charges including rape. Police said he lured aspiring actresses to his apartment on the premise of an audition. He them had them drink drugged wine as part of an acting exercise, and then sexually assaulted them.

Brooks' lawyer and Manhattan prosecutors were unavailable for comment Sunday.

Son, Nicholas Brooks is awaiting his own trial for the death of ex-girlfriend Sylvie Cachay, swimsuit designer. In December, he was found dead in the bathtub of her New York apartment. He pleaded 'not guilty.'

New York Lawyer New York