Paul Walker, star of the “Fast and Furious” films, died Saturday afternoon (November 30) in a single-car accident and explosion in Southern California.


Following news of his death, Walker’s Facebook page posted this statement:



Universal, the studio behind the “Fast and Furious” franchise, 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.”


According to a local news report, the accident took place at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Saturday in Santa Clarita, north of Los Angeles. The actor was said to be riding in the passenger seat of a Porsche that lost control and hit a tree before bursting into flames.


“We just know that the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed,” Sgt. Brian Allen of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station told the local news. “Between the skid marks and the damage to the vehicle, it appears as though the vehicle was traveling at a very significant rate of speed.”


The ‘Fast & Furious’ Cast, And Others, React To Hearing The Tragic News.


The car was reportedly engulfed in flames when authorities arrived on scene. While individuals were attempting to put out the flames with hand-held fire extinguishers, according to the officer, their efforts were unsuccessful.


“With a fire like that, that’s just not going to happen,” Allen said. “The heat is just too much.”



According to reports, the driver of the Porsche was Roger Rodas, a friend of Walker’s and the owner of Always Evolving, a performance shop for high-end automobiles.


Photos: The Life & Career Of Paul Walker.


Walker was currently filming the seventh film in the “Fast and Furious” franchise. On November 29, the actor tweeted the following update: