Updated: Fast and Furious series star Paul Walker has died

UPDATE 12/1/13: According to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal and director James Wan held a conference call this morning to discuss what the next steps will be for FAST AND FURIOUS 7. The film was on hiatus for the Thanksgiving holiday but was set to resume filming in Abu Dhabi. It is unknown how much of the film was completed before this accident or whether the release date will be changed.

R.I.P. Paul Walker (1973-2013)

In tragic news this Thanksgiving weekend, FAST AND FURIOUS 7 star Paul Walker has died in a car accident. The accident occurred in Santa Clarita, California this evening when a Porsche GT slammed into a tree and burst into flames. The cause of the accident is still unknown but both Walker and his friend, the driver, were killed. Walker was 40 years old.

Walker was currently filming FAST AND FURIOUS 7 for director James Wan. The film would mark the actor's sixth foray in the franchise. He was in Santa Clarita for a car show whose proceeds were being used to help victims of the recent typhoon in the Phillipines.  Aside from the car racing/heist series, Paul Walker was also known for the films VARSITY BLUES, PLEASANTVILLE, SHE'S ALL THAT, JOY RIDE, and RUNNING SCARED. In recent years, Walker also appeared in TAKERS, HOURS, and Clint Eastwood's FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS.

The last thing any friends, family, or fans of Paul Walker's care about is how this will affect FAST AND FURIOUS 7 which is slated for a July 11, 2014 release after the two most recent films in the series grossed huge amounts worldwide. While Vin Diesel tends to get the most attention for the films, they truly are ensemble pictures and Walker's role as Brian O'Connor is central. His relationship with Diesel on screen and friendship off has stood the test of time.

An avid fan of marine biology, Walker spent a lot of time not only working on expeditions to tag sharks, but he also has traveled the world to help in disasters like the 2010 earthquake in Chile and the Haitian earthquake the same year. Walker was also an avid car buff and worked on his own vehicles as well as often doing his own driving stunts in the various FAST AND FURIOUS films.

Walker leaves behind a daughter, Meadow and countless fans who will miss him greatly. While none of us can come close to the grief his family feels, we can do the best we can and carry his memory on by watching his films.

Photos of the accident scene have been posted on Twitter. Out of respect we will not be posting them here.

Paul Walker‘s management team have released the following statement on the actor’s official 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