Paul Walker, best known for his portrayal of Brian O’Connor in “The Fast and the Furious” film franchise, has died. News of Walker’s death was first reported by TMZ. Representatives for the actor confirmed that Walker died on Saturday afternoon as a result of a deadly car accident in which the vehicle he was in hit a tree in Santa Clarita, California. Per a posting on his official Facebook Page, Walker was a passenger in an unidentified friend’s vehicle while both were attending a charity event for Reach Out Worldwide. “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,” read the statement on the page.
Walker’s official Facebook page posting in its entirety:
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. –#TeamPW
Before hitting it big via the “Fast” films back in 2001, one of Walker’s first acting gigs was a result of CBS’ “The Young and the Restless,” where he portrayed Brandon Collins in the early 1990’s. The character briefly dated Victoria Newman (then played by Heather Tom) before disappearing from Genoa City.