In Memory of... Paul Walker (September 12, 1973 – November 30, 2013)

Paul William Walker IV, was born on September 12, 1973 and passed away on November 30, 2013.  Paul was an American actor. He became famous in 1999 after his role in the hit film Varsity Blues, but later garnered fame as Brian O'Conner in The Fast and the Furious film series. His other films include Eight Below, Into the Blue, She's All That and Takers.

 

 

Paul began acting when he was very young, appearing in many TV commercials. In 1987 he played Prof. Bennet in Monster in the Closet. Paul then starred in the television series, Throb. He also made guest appearances on several television shows including Charles in Charge, Highway to Heaven, Who's the Boss? and Diff'rent Strokes. Paul also had a role in the soap opera The Young and the Restless.

 

Death

On November 30, 2013, at approximately 3:30 p.m. Paul along with Roger Rodas left an event for Walker's charity Reach Out Worldwide for victims of Typhoon Haiyan. Shortly after leaving in Rodas' red 2005 Porsche Carrera GT, the driver lost control. The car crashed into a light pole and tree in Valencia, Santa Clarita, California, and the vehicle burst into flames.

 

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department declared the two dead at the scene. Roger Rodas was believed to be driving the car. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office stated that speed was a factor in the crash. Police initially investigated if drag racing played a role, but were unable to find evidence of a second car's involvement.

 

Roger Rodas and Paul Walker became friends after meeting at a race track. Roger became Paul's financial advisor in 2007 and helped to establish Reach Out Worldwide. Roger was the CEO of Always Evolving, a Valencia high-end vehicle performance shop owned by Paul Walker.

Numerous friends have posted tributes to Paul on social media.

Ludacris "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."

Tyrese: "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"

Michelle Rodriguez: "I'm gonna carry this torch for you brother, with a forced smile on my face and I'm gonna open my heart just cause your telling me to."

Laz Alonso: "My prayers are with @RealPaulWalker family and friends. Down 2 earth & real as they come. #RIP"

Adam Shankman: "#rippaulwalker i was blessed to call you friend and a beautiful light in the world just went out. I love you paul"

Ellen DeGeneres: "Paul Walker's passing is so sad. I'm thinking of his family. Keep the people you love close to you."

Lindsay Lohan: "Life is truly precious. #RIPPaulWalker and Roger Rodas. Bless ur beautiful families. Guys pls donate to their charity @ReachOutWW"

Chloë Grace Moretz: "My thoughts and prayers go out to Paul Walker and especially his wife and little girl #RIPPaulWalker"

Usher: "RIP Paul Walker...our prayers go out to his family and friends #gone2soon"

Elizabeth Banks: "Going to bed with a heavy heart about Paul Walker. May his friends and family find peace and grace. A reminder of life's frangibleness."

 

Trivia

·         Chosen by People magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful Persons in the world in 2001.

·         He didn't like to watch himself on screen and would only watch his own movies once

·         Was considered for the role of Johnny Storm in Fantastic Four (2005).

·         He was set to star in S.W.A.T. (2003) as Jim Street but backed out. Colin Farrell was cast instead.

·         Was good friends with actor/singer Tyrese Gibson.