It is with a truly heavy heart that we must confirm that Paul Walker passed away today in a tragic car accident while attending a charity event for his organization Reach Out Worldwide. He was a passenger in a friend’s car, in which both lost their lives. We appreciate your patience as we too are stunned and saddened beyond belief by this news. Thank you for keeping his family and friends in your prayers during this very difficult time. We will do our best to keep you apprised on where to send condolences. (source)

In shocking news, actor Paul Walker was killed in a fiery single-car crash in Santa Clarita. TMZ was the first to break the story. As reported in the statement above, Walker was attending a car show and charity event in support of the Philippines typhoon disaster relief effort. It is said that Walker was a passenger in friend Roger Rodas‘ (a racer, owner of sports car customizing shop, Always Evolving, financial adviser, business associate and friend of Walker’s) Porsche Carrera GT; a ride formerly owned by Walker himself. During a test drive, the car lost control, hit a tree and post, then burst into flames. The crash happened around 3:30 p.m. at the 28300 block of Rye Canyon Loop. Both the driver, Rodas, and Walker were killed at the scene.

Paul Walker, a son of Los Angeles, was born in Glendale, California and raised in the San Fernando Valley. Walker, with his All-American good looks, became well known after his appearance in the high school football movie, Varsity Blues. Though, he was most well-known as undercover L.A. cop turned street racer, Brian O’Conner, in the wildly successful film franchise, The Fast and the Furious. Included in these films, which featured Walker in an ensemble cast, were 2 Fast 2 Furious, Fast & Furious, Fast Five, and Fast & Furious 6. These films stand as fun and entertaining popcorn movies which were box office gold. They made Paul Walker a star and garnered him many fans; as they became familiar with him as he was a Fast & Furious staple. He and Vin Diesel basically shared the lead in these films. The seventh installment, Fast & Furious 7, was currently in production (see the pic below with Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and Director James Wan) in Atlanta and was set to move Abu Dhabi, in January, after filming commenced in Georgia. It remains to be seen how Universal and the production will fill this huge hole and absence; it will be a challenge and nearly impossible.

It is a sad day. Personally, I have always thought that Walker was a serviceable actor as I have enjoyed several of his films outside of the Fast & Furious franchise. Passed over films such as the scary and haunting Joy Ride, thriller Into the Blue with Jessica Alba, and the creepy, unpredictable, and wholly underrated Running Scared (with Vera Farmiga), deserve your second look. A mainstream actor, I always felt it was unfair that he was dismissed by the elite as a surfer pretty boy without chops. He certainly always held his own in whatever film he was in and was always likable.

He was respected by his fellow actors, was well-liked as he carried himself like a professional and was, generally, a good soul. Walker was also a humanitarian of sorts, always reaching out to help when devastation hit, such as the earthquakes in Chile and Haiti.

Paul Walker is survived by his 15-year old daughter, Meadow. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and fans. His brightness will be missed.

–@teemunny

 

 

 

His Fast & Furious co-stars show Paul Walker love via social media:

Brother I will miss you very much. I am absolutely speechless. Heaven has gained a new Angel. Rest in Peace. -Vin Diesel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul WalkerPaul Walker on the set of 'Fast & Furious 6'Paul Walker in South Africa (2011)Paul Walker's Fall/Winter 2013 Colcci Campaign (Brazilian clothing line)Michelle Rodriguez, Nathalie Emmanuel, Walker, James Wan, Vin Diesel and Ludacris on the set of 'Fast & Furious 7'




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