Paul Walker is Dead at 40 Years Old

The actor best known for his role in The Fast and Furious films will no longer race cars on screen. According to TMZ, Paul Walker has died in a single car crash on Saturday afternoon. (Walker's official Twitter and Facebook page confirmed the news Saturday.) The website reports that the 40-year-old actor died in Santa Clarita, Calif., in what appeared to be a fiery car crash and explosion. According to TMZ's sources, the actor and one other person were driving in a Porsche when the driver (unknown) lost control and crashed into a tree, a post, or some other object. The car subsequently burst into flames. A message on Walker's message read:

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.

Universal, the studio behind the Fast and the Furious franchise, also released a statement about Walker's death:

Paul was truly one of the most beloved and respected members of our studio family for 14 years, and this loss is devastating to us, to everyone involved with the Fast and Furious films, and to countless fans. We send our deepest and most sincere condolences to Paul’s family.

Police and the L.A. County coroner's office are investigating the details of the accident.

One of Hollywood's most handsome men, Walker was best known for his six Fast and Furious films (for which a seventh film, Fast & Furious 7, was in production). He played Brian O'Conner, an LAPD officer who had a history of stealing cars. While the irony in Walker's apparent death is almost too ridiculous to believe, Hollywood and fans must cope with the fact that it's true.

Walker is survived by his daughter, Meadow, 15. We will update this page when further details are known. Bustle has not immediately heard back from Walker’s representation.