It’s with sad news that we must report that Paul Walker, age 40, has died due to a horrible car accident in Southern California this afternoon. Walker was the passenger in a friend’s car where they were heading to a charity event in Santa Clairta for Reach Out Worldwide, a non-profit rapid response team that focuses their efforts on victims of natural disasters. This particular event was to benefit the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Learn more about the story after the break.

The incident took place around 3:30 pm this afternoon, less than a mile away from the event. Deputies arrived at the scene where they found Walker’s friends red Porsche engulfed in flames. After fire crews put out the flames the two passengers were still inside, both whom were pronounced dead on site. A sheriff’s deputy said the vehicle appeared to have lost control, where the Porsche smashed into a light pole and burst into flames.

Walker’s publicist Ame van Iden confirmed his death, but could not elaborate beyond the official statement posted on Paul Walker’s 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 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

Most notable for his roles in the Fast & Furious franchise, Into The Blue, Running Scare, and Varsity Blues, Walker was in the middle of filming Fast & Furious 7; the sixth film released to critical and commercial appraise this past May. His co-stars have publicly expressed their words regarding the matter:

http://instagram.com/p/hXULYBTQ8R

“Brother I will miss you very much. I am absolutely speechless. Heaven has gained a new Angel. Rest in Peace.” – Vin Diesel

“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.” – Chris “Ludacris” Bridges

“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… #HeartOfAnAngel13YrsFamilyForeverWeJustCelebreatedYour40thBirthday….. My God… My God… I can’t believe I’m writing this” – Tyrese Gibson

Paul Walker’s last social media post included:

Walker’s latest film, Hours, is set to release December 13 of this year. Fast & Furious 7, directed by James Wan, is also scheduled to release in July 2014.

It’s a tragedy to have someone so young and full of potential pass on so suddenly. Our hearts go out to his friends and family at this trying moment and hope for the best.

Source: CNN