“The Fast and the Furious” movie star Paul Walker, 40, has died in a car accident Saturday afternoon in southern California, reports TMZ.
The accident occurred in Santa Clarita — outside of Los Angeles — when Walker’s Porsche apparently lost control and crashed into a tree, TMZ reported.
The car burst into flames and exploded.
Walker’s Twitter and Facebook account has confirmed the news. (Via NYDN)
His twitter also
Fast And Furious star Paul Walker died earlier this evening after a car accident in Santa Clarita, California. Multiple reports indicate Walker, 40, was a passenger in a Porsche Carrera GT that collided with a pole and caused a fire. Walker and the driver were both pronounced dead at the scene.P
Here's the statement from Walker's management team that appeared on his Facebook page
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. - #TeamPWP
It seems the speculation on the crash first started on TFW2005 forums:P
So I work in Santa Clarita at an automotive performance shop and a good customer just came from Paul's shop, AE (Always Evolving) where they were having a car show. It seems Paul went for a ride in a guys Porsche and they ended up around a phone pole, the car burst onto flames and rumour has it Paul is dead. I hope he got it wrong but he insists it was Paul. I'm reluctant to post this being just hearsay, but the guy who informed us is a wealthy car enthusiast that just pulled up in his Maserati and nothing to gain from a lie, and has video on his phone of the burning car. If it does turn out to be true, damn... RIP Paul.P
According to TMZ, Walker was going for rides in a "Porsche GT" when the incident occurred. The fiery accident reportedly happened during one of those test spins.P
from CNN.com
(CNN) -- Actor Paul Walker, who shot to fame as star of the high-octane street racing franchise "Fast & Furious," died Saturday in a car crash in Southern California. He was 40.
Walker's publicist Ame van Iden confirmed his death, but said she could not elaborate beyond statements posted on Walker's official Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Walker was a passenger in a friend's car and both were headed to a charity event for his organization, Reach Out Worldwide, according to a statement posted on his Facebook page. The website for the charity indicated there was an event in Southern California on Saturday to benefit victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
The Santa Clarita Valley Signal, citing a sheriff's deputy at the scene, said a red Porsche appeared to have lost control and struck a tree.
Deputies arrived at the scene to find a vehicle on fire, the sheriff's department said in a statement.
Once fire crews put the flames out, they found two occupants, both of whom were pronounced dead at the scene.
Along with Vin Diesel, the 40-year-old Walker has been one of the stalwarts of the "Fast & Furious" movie series, characterized by its racing scenes and attractive cast.
The box-office success of the first film in 2001 fueled sequels. The series' sixth installment came out earlier this year, topping the Memorial Day weekend box office.
At the time of his death, Walker was working on the seventh film of the franchise, with a scheduled release date of 2014.
On his verified Twitter account, Walker described himself as "outdoorsman, ocean addict, adrenaline junkie ... and I do some acting on the side."
Walker also is the star of "Hours," an independent film scheduled to be released December 13 about a father struggling to keep his newborn infant alive in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
Twitter and other social media exploded with reactions to Walker's death.
"Completely numb and saddened to hear of the tragic death of Paul Walker," wrote one posted "Wow."
Hollywood condolences came from Will Smith, Jack Osbourne, DMX and others.
"No, @RealPaulWalker. No. No. No," tweeted Alyssa Milano. "Rest with the angels. You. Sweet boy. #beauty #love #RIP."
We will miss you. RIP
