It is with great sadness that we bring you news that Paul Walker, best known for his role as Brian O’Conner in Universal’s Fast & Furious series, has died at the age of 40. The actor was involved in a car accident earlier today in Santa Clarita, California, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Various news outlets are reporting that Walker was riding as a passenger in his Porsche GT during a charity event for Reach Out Worldwide. Walker was present to support relief efforts for the recent Philippines typhoon, and the actor was allegedly taking friends out for test drives at the time of the accident. Both Walker and the driver, a friend of the actor, perished when the driver lost control of the vehicle, which hit a tree and burst into flames. The accident occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m local time (6:30 p.m. ET). Some reports indicate that Roger Rodas, CEO of the Always Evolving performance shop for high-end vehicles, was behind the wheel at the time of the crash, but no official statement has yet been made on the identity of the driver.
Walker’s official Facebook page confirmed the tragic news:
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. – #TeamPW
The L.A. County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash and has noted that the county’s coroner office will soon make an official announcement.
Walker was in the midst of shooting for Fast & Furious 7, which is currently scheduled to hit theaters next summer. He had recently wrapped Hurricane Katrina drama Hours, set for release in December, and the action film Brick Mansions, which does not have a planned release at this time.
On behalf of We Got This Covered, I’d like to express my heartfelt condolences to Walker’s family and friends. I’ll always remember the actor as the handsome, charismatic star of films like Eight Below and Running Scared. His passing comes as a shock to all, and he will be truly missed.