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An Unexpected Loss: Paul Walker

Fans, friends and family continue to mourn this week following the unexpected death of actor Paul Walker. The well known “Fast and Furious” actor was pronounced dead on Saturday afternoon in North Hollywood following a gruesome car crash that killed both him and his driving team partner, Roger Rodas.
In the days since the accident, new details and information have provided greater insight into the cause of the tragedy. The pair were driving a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT, an exotic sports car with three times the horsepower of an average car which has a notorious reputation of being difficult to handle. Rodas is believed to have been driving when the vehicle ran into a light pole and was engulfed in flames.
Most know Walker from his box office success in the “Fast and Furious” series, but he was so much more than just an actor. And although he was only 40 years old when he passed away, he accomplished numerous feats and has touched many people.
Starring in a Pampers commercial at age 2, Walker started his acting career early. He then continued to land small roles in television series during childhood and starred in numerous teen flicks, most notably “Varsity Blues”.
Real fame came when he starred as Brian O’Conner, an undercover cop in the ultra popular “Fast and Furious” series. He was working on the 7th installment of the series before his death, but producers are not sure how the production will continue in the wake of the incident.
“It may be tasteless to proceed at all because we can’t be showing Paul Walker in a speeding car, defying death in a movie that ended up being the way he died,’” Tom O’Neil, a top entertainment journalist said.
Paul Walker’s life cannot be defined by his acting accomplishments alone. “Outdoorsman, ocean addict, adrenaline junkie … and I do some acting on the side,” was how the late star described his life. He also was father to 15-year-old daughter Meadow.
Walker’s family has expressed their gratitude for all of the love and condolences, and has also asked that in place of flowers that monetary donations to his charity, Reach Out Worldwide.
There is no doubt that Paul Walker was an incredibly talented actor and person. He will always be remembered through his work and the love and generosity he showed everyone around him.

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