Fast & Furious star Paul Walker dead in fiery car wreck after Porsche GT driven by his friend crashed into pole

Actor Paul Walker, 40, famous for his role in the Fast & Furious action movies, has died in a car crash after his friend “Roger Rodas, 38” lost control of a Porsche GT which smashed into a pole and a tree in Santa Clarita, north of Los Angeles, at 3:30pm, yesterday. 

Guests rushed to put out the flames with fire extinguishers but the fireball had already engulfed the car. 

The star's representatives and official Facebook page confirmed his death.

However Ame Van Iden, Walker's publicist, said in an email: 'Sadly, I must confirm that Paul did pass away this afternoon in a car accident.'

The actor's official Facebook page was also updated with the message: '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 organisation 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.'

Walker, who leaves behind a 15-year-old daughter, was an investor in the Always Evolving car shop in Valencia, California.

 

One witness, Jim Tort, who was at the event told the NY Daily News, Rodas' eight-year-old son tried to save his dad. 

'I ran over afterwards, I was trying to find Roger's son.

'I found out his son had jumped the fence and gone over. He was trying to get his dad out. 

A friend lost: Tech entrepreneur and author Bill Townsend posted this picture of himself with Paul Walker taken hours before the actor's tragic death in a car accident in California

His 'Fast & Furious' co-star Vin Diesel posted a photograph of him and Walker arm-in-arm on Instagram with the message: 'Brother I will miss you very much. I am absolutely speechless. Heaven has gained a new Angel. Rest in Peace."

Celebrities took to twitter to react to the tragic news:

Aaron Paul: My heart goes out to Meadow and everyone else affected by this terrible loss. We will all miss you my friend. We love you. RIP Paul Walker.

Emmanuelle Chriqui: Such a heavy heart about Paul Walker…my condolences to all his his family and friends. I heard from many what a beautiful soul he was:(

Vanessa Lachey: I just heard and am in shock. Prayers to Paul Walker's family. Life is precious, never take a day for granted. #RIPPaulWalker

Jay Sean: Oh man just read about Paul Walkers death. So young. Ugggh makes me sick especially when it's caused by an accident. God bless his soul. 

Adam Carolla: so sad about Paul Walker wish the best for his loved ones

Kat Dennings: Paul Walker???? Oh my god. This is heartbreaking

Tyson Beckford: RIP Paul Walker,loved working with you on “Into the Blue”. I Will miss you.

Tyler Shields: Paul Walker was such a nice guy so sad he died but at least he died doing what he loved and he went out on top sorry to see him go!

Jenna Ushkowitz: My thoughts and love go out to Paul's friends and family.

Kevin Zegers: Thoughts and prayers to Paul Walkers family and friends. Especially his young daughter. 

Dominic Monaghan: .@RealPaulWalker awful news. Paul was a lovely guy. Handsome as all hell and funny and cool to boot. Terrible news. My condolences.

Michael B. Jordan: Man life is so short. People you care about can be here one min and gone the next Don't take life for granted RIP Paul Walker

Scott Porter: Immensely saddened by the loss of Paul Walker. An incredibly gentle and generous soul. Be safe out there folks. #RIPPaulWalker

Chris Daughtry: So I'm on a flight and just see that Paul Walker died in a car crash…so very sad! Wow! Stunned

Jamie Chung: So tragic. Prayers go out to Paul Walkers friends and family.

Kailyn Lowry: Fast and Furious just won't be the same without Paul Walker. #RIP

Michelle Branch: Sad to hear about Paul Walker. A friend of a friend was there & said he was at a charity car event raising money for the Philippines. Awful!

Kevin McHale: So sad to hear about Paul Walker. So young. Can’t believe it.

Amber Riley: My condolences to Paul Walker’s family. Rest In Peace.

Christopher Gorham: So saddened to hear about @RealPaulWalker 's passing. May he rest in peace.

Jack Osbourne: RIP Paul Walker

Brad Goreski: My thoughts and prayers go out to @RealPaulWalker family. How sad. He was such a beauty on film. Those blue eyes will be missed.

Lance Bass: So so sad about Paul Walker : (

Mario Lopez: RIP Paul Walker.. Eerie that the star of The Fast & The Furious died in a car accident.. God Bless his daughter

Dave Annable: Wow. I'm kind of in shock about the news on Paul Walker. So sad and tragic. Prayers out to friends and family. #RIPPaulWalker

Dane Cook: RIP Paul Walker

Kevin Hart: I'm a devastated right now. My prayers & condolences go out to Paul Walkers family & friends. He was a amazing talent & will truly b missed

Anne V: What an unbelievably sad news. #RIPPaulWalker. My thoughts and prayers go to your loves ones

Gabriel Macht: Never met him…but sad to hear he’s passed in a car accident. RIP Paul Walker…#tooyoung

Witnesses at the crash scene posted a video of the scene on YouTube showing debris from the wreckage while emergency workers cordoned off the area.

RIP Paul Walker! you will dearly be missed!