Hollywood has been left in shock with the news that Fast & Furious star Paul Walker has died, aged 40, in a car crash in Southern California. Walker was the passenger in a car which apparently hit a pole and then burst into flames. The driver was also killed.
Born in Southern California, Walker was been on screen since he was a toddler (first appearing in a Pampers commercial) and started finding adult fame in the likes Pleasantville and Varsity Blues, but it was with The Fast & The Furious franchise that he found true stardom. He appeared in all the movies barring the third one.
Walker was shooting the seventh in the Fast & Furious series at the time of his death. He was on a Thanksgiving break but was due to return to the shoot soon.
An official statement of Walker’s Facebook page reads, ‘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’
His Fast & Furious co-stars took to Twitter to express their grief, with Vin Diesel saying, ‘Brother I will miss you very much. I am absolutely speechless. Heaven has gained a new Angel. Rest in Peace.’ Dwayne Johnson added, All my strength, love & faith to the Walker family during this heartbreaking time. We find our strength.. in his light. Love you brother.’
Universal Pictures also reacted with a statement, saying, ‘All of us at Universal are heartbroken. Paul was truly one of the most beloved and respected members of our studio family for 14 years, and this loss is devastating to us, to everyone involved with the Fast and Furious films, and to countless fans. We send our deepest and most sincere condolences to Paul’s family.’
Paul Walker – September 12th 1973-November 30th 2013 – RIP