|
Paul Walker arriving for the world premiere of "Fast and Furious 6" in London in May 2013. (Will Oliver / EPA) |
Actors, artists and celebrities reacted late Saturday to the death of "The Fast and the Furious" actor Paul Walker, who along with another man was killed in a single-car crash in the Santa Clarita Valley. Sheriff's officials said speed was a factor in the accident.
Walker’s "Fast and Furious" co-star Vin Diesel posted this to Instagram:
therealvindiesel Brother I will miss you very much. I am absolutely speechless. Heaven has gained a new Angel. Rest in Peace.
Tweets from friends and co-stars included:
Ludacris "Your humble spirit was felt from the start, wherever you blessed your presence you always left a mark, we were like brothers & our birthdays are only 1 day apart, now You will forever hold a place in all of our hearts @paulwalker legacy will live on forever. R.I.P."
Tyrese: "My heart is hurting so bad no one can make me believe this is real Father God I pray that you send clarity over this cause I just don't understand My heart hurts it's broken no one can convince me that this is real.... Prayer warriors please pray real hard for his only child, his daughter and family...My God... My God... I can't believe I'm writing this"
Carson Daly "Sick about the tragic loss of #PaulWalker. I enjoyed our time together very much. Such a really nice guy. Prayers to his family and friends."
Walker also had a starring role in the upcoming film "Brick Mansions," set for release in 2014 and produced by the studio Relativity Media.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of Paul Walker,” Relativity president Tucker Tooley said in a statement. “Paul was an incredibly talented artist, devoted philanthropist and friend. Our hearts go out to his family and our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
According to a statement on Walker's official Twitter account, the 40-year-old actor was attending a charity event to aid Filipino victims of Typhoon Haiyan for his organization Reach Out Worldwide, formed in 2010 as a quick response first-aid organization.
“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,” the statement read. “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.”
Officials with the Los Angeles County coroner’s office said they were still at the scene and could not confirm the names of either victim. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department reported that the car was a 2005 red Porsche Carrera GT that had struck a light pole and that speed was a factor.
Representatives with Universal Pictures also confirmed Walker’s identity and released a 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.”
ALSO:
Three killed in single-vehicle accident on 110 Freeway
Accused O.C. serial killer swallowed Ajax in cell, attorney says
For Roger Mahony, clergy abuse cases were a threat to agenda
Twitter: @CarlaRiveralat
