Paul Walker Dies in Car Crash; Fast and the Furious Actor Was 40

Paul Walker has died. The actor best known for The Fast and the Furious franchise perished this afternoon in a single-car crash and explosion in California.

The accident happened in Santa Clarita, north of L.A. He was 40.

According to TMZ sources, Walker was in a Porsche when the driver somehow lost control and hit a post or tree, causing the car to burst into flames.

Paul and another person in the car were reportedly killed.

The star was at a car show to raise money for the Philippines typhoon relief effort, and sources say he was taking a ride in a two-seater Porsche GT.

The crash reportedly happened during the charity event.

Police are all over the scene, and the L.A. County Coroner's Office is en route. It's unclear at this time what caused the crash or who was driving.

Two victims have been pronounced dead, though neither's identity has been made publicly available. Our hearts go out to both of their families.

Paul Walker Dead at 40

A native of Glendale, Calif., Walker first broke out in the late 1990s movies Pleasantville and Varsity Blues, followed by She's All That and The Skulls.

He joined the successful Fast and the Furious franchise in 2001, and most recently reprised his role as Brian O'Conner in Fast & Furious 6 in 2013.

Fast & Furious 7 was announced for a 2014 debut.

While promoting his latest film Hours earlier this month, Walker revealed that his 15-year-old daughter, Meadow, recently moved to live with him.

Story developing ...

UPDATE: This report was followed by others claiming it is all a hoax. The only issue is that the story calling Walker's death a hoax is the actual hoax.

These reports are all from a website that has an automatic generator set for any celebrity whose name you wish to plug in. The hoax reports are false.

R.I.P.

Paul Walker Crash

UPDATE: Paul Walker‘s representative has confirmed the tragedy that took place today and offered some additional details, posting on Facebook:

“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.”

New Regency, the studio behind the Fast & Furious films, Tweeted: “It is with great sadness to report that @RealPaulWalker has passed away. We will miss you. #RIP”

UPDATE: Walker's body was burned so badly that officials will require dental records to identify the body. Because of this, an autopsy has been delayed.

The bodies of Paul and his friend and business partner Roger Rodas are currently unidentifiable, pushing back the examinations of their deaths.

Autopsies will be conducted later this week.

Rodas (pictured with Walker, above) was 38. Friends for nearly a decade, he helped Paul start his foundation to provide disaster relief across the world.

UPDATE: The outpouring of grief and love for Walker in the last 18 hours from his co-workers, friends and fans been nothing short of immense.

As for the future of his unfinished project, sources close to the production are skeptical (for many reasons) regarding the future of Fast & Furious 7.

UPDATE: Officials believe speed was a factor in the crash that killed the star, though it will take time before they know how fast he was going.

In the meantime, there is already a makeshift memorial set up at the site of the accident, with many fans of the actor gathering to pay their respects.

Source: The Hollywood Gossip