Paul Walker (1973-2013) Dead at 40

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

Los Angeles Times: ‘Fast and Furious’ actor Paul Walker dies in fiery Valencia car crash
CNN: ‘Fast & Furious’ star Paul Walker killed in car crash
CNN: Paul Walker: Hollywood left stunned by death
USA Today: For Paul Walker, family was key to his legacy
The Hollywood Reporter: Paul Walker Dies in Car Accident at Age 40
Variety: ‘Fast and Furious’ Star Paul Walker Dead at 40
/Film: Paul Walker Has Died at Age 40
The Huffington Post: Paul Walker’s Co-Stars Share Messages About The Actor Following His Tragic Death
HitFix: Vin Diesel and Hollywood react to Paul Walker’s death
US Weekly: Paul Walker Dead at 40: Fast and the Furious Actor Dies In Car Accident
Empire: Paul Walker Dies, Fast & Furious star was 40
LA Weekly: Paul Walker of ‘Fast & Furious’ Franchise Dead in High-Speed Crash

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

All my strength, love & faith to the Walker family during this heartbreaking time. We find our strength.. in his light. Love you brother.

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) December 1, 2013

My heart is hurting so bad no one can make me believe this is real Father God I pray that you send… http://t.co/CnKblb3PWu

— Vision Implementer (@Tyrese) December 1, 2013

Your humble spirit was felt from the start, wherever you blessed your presence you always left a mark,… http://t.co/nUiPPIU9Bb

— Ludacris (@Ludacris) December 1, 2013

R.i.p. to the homie Paul Walker and condolences to his family I’m truly upset about this right now smh… http://t.co/Il1heyWa7d

— Ja Rule (@Ruleyork) December 1, 2013

I am truly saddened over the sudden and unexpected passing of my friend and colleague Paul Walker. I would like… http://t.co/pOMZDAPXtX

— Tony Jaa (@tonyjaaofficial) December 1, 2013