Paul Walker Dies in Flaming Car Crash En Route to Charity Event

No matter how much we idolize celebrities, they are not immortal. They’re as fragile as each and every one of us. Life, no matter how it’s lived, can be taken away in an instant. We need to cherish the life we’re gifted and celebrate those that have passed.

Today we celebrate the life of Paul Walker. The man who helped launch the street racing film franchise “Fast & Furious” died Saturday in a car crash in Southern California, CNN reports. He was 40.

The official statement on Walker’s Facebook page reads, “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.” His publicist, Ame van Iden, has not offered any additional statement at this time.

The crash occurred around 3:30 p.m. just 300 years from the office park where the charity event was to be held in Santa Clarita, about 300 miles north of Hollywood. The event was intended to benefit the victims of Typhoon Haiya, which ravaged the Philippines in early November.

Although details remain unclear, a deputy at the scene said that a red Porsche lost control. When officials arrived on the scene, the vehicle was on fire next to a knocked down streetlight. After they extinguished the flames, they pronounced both Walker and the driver dead at the scene.

Fans and colleagues have expressed sincere condolences to Walker and his family as they look back and reflect on a tremendous life.