Following the tragic news of Paul Walker‘s sudden passing yesterday, cast members from “The Fast and the Furious” film franchise shared messages on social media websites in loving memory of the actor who was the only cast member to have appeared in five of the last six films and will also appear in the upcoming seventh installment, “Fast 7,” which is scheduled for release on July 11, 2014. Universal Pictures, which produces and distributes the films worldwide, 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.”
For those wishing to share their fondest memories of Walker, Vin Diesel asked his Twitter followers to use hashtag #RIPPaulWalker. He also posted the following: “Brother I will miss you very much. I am absolutely speechless. Heaven has gained a new Angel. We aimed for the stars together and achieved more than we ever hoped we could with ‘F&F'”
Tyrese Gibson, who ties Diesel as the second longest running cast member of the “Fast” films behind Walker, said on Facebook: “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… #HeartOfAnAngel13YrsFamilyForever WeJustCelebreatedYour40thBirthday….. My God… My God… I can’t believe I’m writing this.”
Dwayne Johnson, who joined the “Fast” team beginning with the fifth installment back in 2011, said on Twitter: “All my strength, love & faith to the Walker family during this heartbreaking time. We find our strength.. in his light. Love you brother.”
Portraying Walker’s onscreen love interest for much of the film franchises history, Jordana Brewster (“Dallas,” “As The World Turns”) tweeted, “Paul was pure light. I cannot believe he is gone.”
Ludacris shared a cast photo from the conclusion of “Fast & Furious 6,” in which all the remaining lead characters from the beginning of the film series shared a meal together for the first time, along with the message: “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.”
Walker died on the afternoon of Saturday, November 30 as a result of a deadly car accident in which the vehicle he was a passenger in hit a tree in Santa Clarita, California and caught fire. The previously unidentified driver of the vehicle has now been identified as Roger Rodas, CEO of Always Evolving.