ABOVE: Actor Paul Walker dead at 40. Mike Armstrong reports
This story has been updated since it was originally posted at 9:28pm EST on Nov. 30.
TORONTO — Actor Paul Walker, best known for his role in the Fast and the Furious movie franchise, died Saturday. He was 40.
Walker and his friend Roger Rodas, 38, were killed when the Porsche GT they were in lost control and crashed. The star was a passenger in the car, which burst into flames.
Sgt. Brian Allen of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department said Sunday that speed was definitely a factor in the accident. He said the car hit a tree, a concrete light post, a second tree and finally came to rest against another tree and burst into flames.
Two occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. Allen said investigators are using dental records to positively identify the victims, whose bodies were burned beyond recognition.
READ MORE: Watch Paul Walker promise “one more funeral.”
In a statement, Universal Pictures said: “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.”
The horrific accident happened in Valencia, California, where the actor was attending a charity open house at Always Evolving, a performance car and racing business co-owned by Rodas.
According to Autoweek, the Porsche was a 2005 model with a little more than 3,283 miles on it. It was purchased by Always Evolving from a Florida dealer, who listed it at $359,900.
BELOW: Watch raw footage from the scene of the accident that killed actor Paul Walker.
According to fire officials, the single vehicle crash happened at around 3:30 p.m. local time in the Rye Canyon Business Park.
READ MORE: Stars react to death of Paul Walker
A message posted late Saturday on Walker’s official Facebook page read: “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.”
The death was first reported by celebrity website TMZ.
READ MORE: A look back at Paul Walker’s movie roles
In addition to playing Brian O’Conner in the Fast and the Furious movies, Walker starred in 1999’s Varsity Blues, 2001’s Joy Ride and 2005’s Into the Blue.
He worked several times in Canada, including 2000’s The Skulls in Toronto and 2006’s Eight Below in B.C. His 2004 made-in-Montreal film Noel premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Walker was in Montreal this past June to shoot scenes for the forthcoming crime drama Brick Mansions.
READ MORE: Canadian actor Robert Maillet reflects on working with Paul Walker in Montreal
Walker started appearing in commercials as a toddler and later had small roles on several TV series, including Highway to Heaven and Touched by an Angel. His first movie role was in the horror comedy Monster in the Closet.
At the time of his death Walker had several films set for release, including the drama Hours on Dec. 13. He was working on Fast & Furious 7 in Atlanta and, according to The Hollywood Reporter, was scheduled to return to the set on Sunday.
Walker is survived by his 15-year-old daughter, Meadow, from his relationship with Rebecca McBrain. He also leaves behind longtime girlfriend Jasmine Pilchard-Gosnell.
READ MORE: Stars react to death of Paul Walker
READ MORE: See the last photos of Paul Walker
Walker is not the first Hollywood star to die in a Porsche. Actor James Dean was killed in 1955 when his Porsche 550 Spyder was struck by another car and Jackass star Ryan Dunn died in 2011 when his Porsche went off the road and slammed into a tree.
Actress Jayne Mansfield — the mother of actress Mariska Hargitay — died instantly in 1967 when the car she was in rear-ended a truck and Hollywood icon Grace Kelly died in 1982 after she lost control of her car in Monaco.
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