RIP Paul Walker (1973-2013)

Actor Paul Walker was tragically killed yesterday in a car crash in Southern California. He turned 40 just a few months ago and was in the midst of filming the seventh film in the popular Fast & Furious franchise. Walker was attending a charity event on the day of his death in support of his organization Reach Out WorldWide. This particular event was to benefit the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

With his all-American good looks, I had the biggest crush on Walker early on in his career even though he was relegated to just small supporting roles in films such as Pleasantville, Varsity Blues, She's All That, and The Skulls. His big break was being cast as the co-lead in the 2001 film The Fast and the Furious. The franchise has had its ups and down, but in recent years has found its groove by maintaining its status as the premiere car chase action flick while also focusing on the alternative family unit the series has created through the years. I've been a long-time fan of the series and liked the 2011 film well enough though I still haven't seen the latest film. The question of what happens to the franchise now is obviously something that will need to be addressed by the people involved, but that is secondary to the immediate need of mourning the death of a beloved friend.

Below is the first tweet from Walker's Fast & Furious co-star Vin Diesel after the news broke out last night:

Brother, I will miss you very much. Heaven has gained a new angel. Rest in peace xxx
— Vin Diesel (@REAL_VinDiesel) December 1, 2013