Actor Paul Walker, 40, died today in a fiery single car crash that left the star and an unidentified person dead.
Perhaps best known for his roles in the Fast and Furious franchise, Walker died after the driver of the car lost control in Santa Clarita, Calif., hitting a tree earlier today around 3:30 p.m. PST. By the time fire officials arrived on the scene, the car was completely engulfed in flames.
The story was first reported by TMZ and the outlet has since reported that one of Walker’s representatives confirmed his death.
When the crash occurred, Walker was attending a charity event for his Reach Out Worldwide organization.
The sixth Fast and Furious movie was released in May of this year and Walker was filming the upcoming seventh installment. Paul is survived by his 15-year-old daughter, Meadow.
Update: Universal Pictures released the following statement.
“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.”
R.I.P. Paul Walker
Photo credit: julianapaulo Instagram