Paul Walker, star of the Fast & Furious franchise has been killed in a car crash in California after leaving a charity event. He was the passenger in a friend's car when it hit a lamp post and tree north of Los Angeles, in the community of Valencia. Walker was best known for his association with the high-octane drive-heist series, in which he played former undercover agent Brian O'Conner, alongside Vin Diesel, who posted his reaction to Instagram:
"Brother I will miss you very much. I am absolutely speechless. Heaven has gained a new Angel. Rest in Peace."
He starred in every one of the main Fast & Furious films, apart from Tokyo Drift, and his latest film Hours is set for release this month. Other notable career high-points included cult classic The Skulls, Pleasantville and the hugely underrated Varsity Blues. Walker's death was announced on his official 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 organisation Reach Out Worldwide. Heaven has gained a new Angel. Rest in Peace. "He was a passenger in a friend's car, in which both lost their lives. We... are stunned and saddened beyond belief by this news.''
And Universal Pictures also issued a statement, expressing their dismay at the death of an actor who seems to have been universally liked not only on a personal level but for his charity work, an aspect of his life that wasn't as widely publicised as it perhaps could have been:
"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 & Furious films, and to countless fans. "We send our deepest and most sincere condolences to Paul's family."
The seventh Fast & Furious film is due for release next year - quite what this news means for that film remains unclear at this stage, with Walker having only filmed scenes as recently as less than two weeks ago. RIP Paul Walker 1970-2013