The news of Paul Walker’s death broke a few hours ago, stunning his family, his friends and his fans. Unfortunately it wasn’t a hoax made up in some poor attempt at humour, but the sad reality. The 40 year old actor died while heading with a friend (Roger Rodas) to a charity event for Reach Out Worldwide. Both Paul and his friend, who was driving, lost their lives. The confirmation came from the actor’s official Facebook page and his publicist, earlier today.
[quote] 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[/quote]
Perhaps best known for his role as Brian O’Conner in the Fast and Furious franchise, Paul Walker has been acting since he was a child, some of the roles that helped establish him as an actor being in movies such as Varsity Blues, Pleasantville and She’s All That.
Other than his acting career, Paul was involved in several charities, most importantly in Reach Out Worldwide, having joined in in the efforts of aiding Chile, after the 2010 earthquake and Haiti, as well as in helping out other areas around the world that were in need.
According to some of his interviews, despite having a career as an actor, his “first love” has always been Marine Biology. He had a degree in the field and he managed to accomplish his life-long dream of using his skills in the area by joining in on the Expedition Great White, tracking and tagging sharks off the coast of Mexico. A National Geographic series, in which he appeared, has mapped out the efforts of the team, as well as his activity as a member of the crew.
Everyone that knew him praised him as a smart, funny individual and his charity work shows that there was more to Paul Walker than being an actor or a pretty face. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and by those that only knew him through his acting.
Rest in peace, Paul.
