'Fast and Furious' actor Paul Walker dies in fiery car crash

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Fans and fellow actors on Sunday mourned the death of Paul Walker, best known as undercover agent Brian O'Connor in the "Fast and Furious" action movies, in a fiery car crash in California.

Walker, 40, appeared in all but one of the six movies in the popular franchise, and was a leading protagonist along with Vin Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez.

"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," the late actor's publicists wrote on his Facebook account on Saturday.

"He was a passenger in a friend's car, in which both lost their lives."

The publicists wrote that they were "stunned and saddened beyond belief by this news." The message was also linked to Walker's Twitter account.

Walker was killed when the red Porsche sports car he was traveling in slammed into a tree and caught fire around 3:30 pm (2330 GMT) on Saturday in the town of Santa Clarita, in Los Angeles county, local media reported.

Witnesses recognized Walker and one onlooker even tried to pull him from the wreckage, the local Santa Clarita Valley Signal newspaper reported.

Walker was taking a Thanksgiving break from filming the seventh "Fast and Furious" movie, which had been scheduled for release in July.

The crew had filmed in Atlanta and were set to travel to Abu Dhabi in January, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Walker had been at an event to raise money for victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines for Reach Out Worldwide (ROWW), a non-profit disaster relief group the actor founded.

ROWW has sent teams of experts to help in natural disasters such as the 2010 earthquake in Haiti and tornado-stricken towns in the United States.

"Brother I will miss you very much," wrote Hollywood star Diesel on his Instagram account. "I am absolutely speechless. Heaven has gained a new Angel. Rest in Peace."

Another "Fast and Furious" co-star, Ludacris, wrote on Twitter: "Your humble spirit was felt from the start, wherever you blessed your presence you always left a mark, we were like brothers & our birthdays are only 1 day apart, now You will forever hold a place in all of our hearts @paulwalker legacy will live on forever."

And former wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who also appears in the franchise, wrote: "All my strength, love & faith to the Walker family during this heartbreaking time. We find our strength.. in his light. Love you brother."

The late actor is survived by his 15-year-old daughter Meadow.

In real life Walker raced cars, described himself on Twitter as an "outdoorsman, ocean addict," and "adrenaline junkie," and did many of his own movie stunts.

In a departure from his action movie roles, Walker is due to appear in "Hours," an independent movie set for mid-December release about a father who struggles to keep his ailing infant daughter alive after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005.

Walker was also scheduled to star in the 2014 crime-action film "Brick Mansions," a remake of the 2004 French movie District B13.

Before his "Fast and Furious" breakthrough Walker appeared in TV commercials as a child, and was in several 1980s TV shows. He became a teen heartthrob, appearing in such movies as "Pleasantville" (1988), "She's All That" and "Varsity Blues" (both 1999).

The first "Fast and Furious" movie appeared in 2001.

The series, with its focus on fast cars, tough guys, sexy starlets and exotic locales, is one of Hollywood's most lucrative global franchises.

Fans poured out their grief on social media, including the franchise's pages on Instagram and Facebook.

More than one million people had either liked or commented in various languages on the death notice on Walker's Facebook page.

"Fast and Furious will not be the same without you Paul!!" wrote fan Sedat Yildirim.

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Two lives gone

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ROME, ITALY - APRIL 29: Actor Paul Walker attends 'Fast & Furious 5' photocall at the Hassler Hotel on April 29, 2011 in Rome, Italy.

LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON -- Episode 843 -- Pictured: Paul Walker on May 24, 2013

APRIL 16: Actor Paul Walker speaks onstage at the the Universal Pictures Presentation to promote the upcoming film, Fast & Furious 6 at Caesars Palace during CinemaCon, the official convention of the National Association of Theatre Owners, on April 16, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada

CULVER CITY, CA - APRIL 14: (L-R) Actors Jordana Brewster, Paul Walker and Vin Diesel speak onstage during the 2013 MTV Movie Awards at Sony Pictures Studios on April 14, 2013 in Culver City, California

WESTWOOD, CA - JUNE 18: Actor Paul Walker attends 'The Fast and the Furious' Westwood Premiere on June 18, 2001 at the Mann Village Theatre in Westwood, California

MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 25: Actor Paul Walker attends 'Fast & Furious' photocall, at Santo Mauro Hotel on March 25, 2009 in Madrid, Spain

Paul Walker (L) and Vin Diesel attend the World Premiere of 'Fast & Furious 6' at Empire Leicester Square on May 7, 2013 in London, England.

Paul Walker attends the World Premiere of ''Fast & Furious 6'' at Empire Leicester Square on May 7, 2013 in London, England

U.S. actor Paul Walker presents a creation from Colcci's 2013/2014 summer collection during Sao Paulo Fashion Week March 21, 2013 file

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HOLLYWOOD - JANUARY 7: Actor Paul Walker attends the 'Varsity Blues' Hollywood Premiere on January 7, 1999 at Paramount Theatre, Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California.

Matt Schulze, Chad Lindberg, Michelle Rodriguez, Vin Diesel, Paul Walker Johnny Strong, Jordana Brewster, and Rick Yune in publicity portrait for the film 'The Fast And The Furious', 2001

Vin Diesel and Paul Walker racing against each other in a scene from the film 'The Fast And The Furious', 2001

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 7: (L-R) Gal Gadot, Paul Walker, Elsa Pataky, Vin Diesel, Gina Carano and Jordana Brewster attend the world premiere of 'Fast And Furious 6' at The Empire Leicester Square on May 7, 2013 in London, England

(L to R) Paul Walker, Vin Diesel and Tyrese Gibson attend the World Premiere of 'Fast & Furious 6' at Empire Leicester Square on May 7, 2013 in London, England.

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - MARCH 21: Actor Paul Walker walks the runway at the Samuel Cirnansck show during Sao Paulo Fashion Week Summer 2013/2014 on March 21, 2013 in Sao Paulo, Brazil

COLOGNE, GERMANY - APRIL 27: Vin Diesel and Paul Walker (L-R) attend the 'Fast & Furious 5' Germany Premiere on April 27, 2011 in Cologne, Germany.

AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 10: Actors Genesis Rodriguez and Paul Walker arrive at the screening of "Hours" during the 2013 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival at Topfer Theatre at ZACH on March 10, 2013 in Austin, Texas.

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Rest In Peace

You may be gone, but the memory of your thrill and spill lives on.

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Vin Diesel has led the tributes to Paul Walker.

The 40-year-old actor died after a Porsche he was passenger in crashed and burst into flames in Santa Clarita, north of Los Angeles, yesterday.

The star is best known for appearing in the Fast & Furious franchise, with his co-star Vin expressing his heartache over Paul’s passing.

“Brother I will miss you very much. I am absolutely speechless. Heaven has gained a new Angel. Rest in Peace (sic),” he captioned an image of himself with Paul on Instagram.

Ludacris starred with the two men and has also spoken of his grief. He posted a screen shot of the cast holding hands around a dinner table on the photo-sharing website.

“Your humble spirit was felt from the start, wherever you blessed your presence you always left a mark, we were like brothers & our birthdays are only 1 day apart, now You will forever hold a place in all of our [email protected] legacy will live on forever. R.I.P (sic),” he wrote.

Tyrese Gibson also starred in the films about street racers who plan heists and told fans he was struggling to come to terms with Paul’s death.

“My heart is hurting so bad,” he wrote. “No one can make me believe this is real. Father God I pray that you send clarity over this cause I just don’t understand. My heart hurts it’s broken no one can convince me that this is real…. Prayer warriors please pray real hard for his only child, his daughter and family… #HeartOfAnAngel13YrsFamilyForever. (sic)”

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson spoke of his anguish on Twitter and offered his support to Paul’s loved ones, with Paul’s co-stars from other movies including Olivia Wilde, Joshua Jackson, Ryan Phillippe and Jessica Alba also offering their condolences.

Paul was attending a charity event to help those affected by Typhoon Haiyan when he and a friend decided to take the Porsche out. The driver lost control and hit a telegraph poll, after which the vehicle was engulfed in a fire ball. Onlookers tried to put out the flames using fire extinguishers but both the actor and driver died.

“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,” the star’s team confirmed on Facebook. “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.”

Paul is survived by his 15-year-old daughter Meadow.

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He went too fast.

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LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Autopsy results for "Fast & Furious" actor Paul Walker could be released as early as Tuesday, as medical examiners wait on dental records to identify the actor's body, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Coroner said on Monday.

Walker, 40, who became a symbol of street-racing and car culture in his roles in the "Fast & Furious" franchise, was a passenger in a fiery one-car crash on Saturday in Santa Clarita, California, about 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

"We're waiting for dental records," county coroner spokesman Edward Winter said. "The bodies are unidentifiable."

Media reports identified the driver of the red 2005 Porsche Carrera GT that crashed into a utility pole and burst into flames as Roger Rodas, 38, a friend of Walker's who owned Always Evolving, an auto dealership and racing services company in Santa Clarita.

"Evidently both individuals were seen getting into the vehicle minutes before the crash," Winter said.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department investigation has ruled out the possibility that Rodas and Walker were racing another car in the street after receiving a tip over the weekend about a second vehicle.

"That lead has been exhausted and determined that was not to be credible," Sergeant Rich Pena said.

Walker and Rodas were both drivers for the Always Evolving racing team.

Neither the coroner's office nor the sheriff's department would confirm if Rodas was the driver of the car. Rodas also served as a financial adviser to Walker, the actor's spokeswoman, Ame Van Iden, said.

Sheriff Deputy Aura Sierra said the investigation into the crash, in which the department earlier said that speed played a role, should take two more days.

Always Evolving posted a Twitter message thanking supporters while they "mourn the loss of our loved ones." The company could not be reached by phone.

Walker, who played supporting roles in 1998's "Pleasantville" and 1999's "Varsity Blues," was in five of the six "Fast & Furious" films about illegal street racing, heists and organized crime, portraying law enforcement officer Brian O'Conner.

Production of "Fast & Furious 7," which began filming in September, has been delayed but will not be scrapped, industry trade publication the Hollywood Reporter said, citing sources.

The publication reported that Comcast Corp-owned Universal Pictures, the big-budget film's studio, and "Fast 7" director James Wan spoke on Sunday about how to continue with the film following Walker's death.

A representative for Universal was not immediately available to comment on the status of the film, which is to be released on July 11.

The "Fast & Furious" franchise, which stars Vin Diesel, has grossed more than $2 billion at the global box office since its first film was released in 2001.

Walker stars in the Hurricane Katrina survival drama "Hours," which will be released on December 13, and also the crime drama "Brick Mansions," which is in post-production and will be released next year.

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Paul Walker's most memorable roles through the years.

Paul Walker in Pantaleon's "The Hours" - 2013

Paul Walker in "Vehicle 19" - 2013

in Screen Gems' "Takers" - 2010

in Universal Pictures' "Fast & Furious" - 2009

Brooklynn Proulx and Paul Walker in "The Lazarus Project" - 2008

Paul Walker in "The Death and Life of Bobby Z" - 2007

Paul Walker in "Eight Below" - 2006

Vera Farmiga and Paul Walker in "Running Scared" - 2006

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Paul Walker in "Flags of Our Fathers" - 2006

Jessica Alba and Paul Walker in "Into the Blue" - 2005

Penelope Cruz and Paul Walker in "Noel" - 2004

n Universal Pictures' "2 Fast 2 Furious" - 2003

Paul Walker and Frances O'Connor in "Timeline" - 2003

in Universal Pictures' "The Fast and the Furious" - 2001

Leslie Bibb, Paul Walker and Joshua Jackson in "The Skulls" - 2000

Steve Zahn and Paul Walker in "Joyride" - 2001

Paul Walker in "Varsity Blues" - 1999

Paul Walker and Freddie Prinze Jr. in "She's All That" - 1999

Paul Walker in "Pleasantville" - 1998

Paul Walker and Steve Van Wormer in "Meet the Deedles" - 1998

Paul Walker in "Throb" - 1986

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There have been many reports floating around about Paul's Walker daughter Meadow, including statements that she was at the event on Saturday (November 30) when his accident occurred.

Paul‘s team took to social media to set the record straight.

“It is unfortunate that claims are being made to the media that Paul’s daughterMeadow was at the event on Saturday when the accident occurred. We want to clarify that Paul went to the event alone.Meadow was not at the charity event on Saturday and thankfully, did not witness the accident. Any claims stating otherwise are inaccurate,” Paul‘s team wrote on his Facebook account.

“Sadly, there’s also numerous people creating fake social media profiles claiming to be Meadow. We would like everyone to know thatMeadow does not currently have any public profiles and is not currently active on social media. We ask that her privacy be respected at this time. – Team PW,” the statement concluded.

Paul Walker tragic death has left many fans curious about his relationship with his 15-year-old daughter Meadow(pictured far right), who was reportedly in attendance at the charity event nearby the car crash site where he died.

The 40-year-old actor welcomed his child into the world with his then girlfriend Rebecca McBrain back in 1998, but he has said he was not mature enough to get married at the time.

“It was tough,” Paul recently told WENN. “I was one of those ones who believed when you get married it’s forever. But I was thinking down the road. I knew where I was at with chicks and having fun … I was an animal.”

Meadow and her mom moved to Los Angeles a few years ago and moved into Paul‘s house.

“She’s the best partner I’ve ever had,” Paul told EW this year. “I’ve never had anything like this in my life. I’ve been so transient, I’ve been on my own since I was 16. … There’s a part of me who feels like I’m making up for lost time.”

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Paul Walker's good friend and co-star, Vin Diesel, publicly thanks fans for the love they have shown after a private family memorial service was given for the star and Rodger Rodas on Dec. 2.

Police vacated fans and media outlets from paul and Rodger crash site in Santa Clarita, Calif. for a private family memorial service that Vin attended, according toTMZ. A permit was obtained by Universal Pictures to shut down the area and surrounding streets from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., E News reported.

However, when fans were allowed back in the area around 10:45 p.m., Vin made his first public comment about Paul Untimely death with an impromptu speech to hundreds of fans. He spoke into a sheriff car’s loudspeaker and said:

“I just want to say to all of you, if my brother were here right now and he saw all of the love you are bringing here. If he could see for himself that all of you have shown up to show my brother love… At this hard time his family gets to see all of you show the love that you’ve shown Paul. It’s going to stay with me forever. I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for coming down here and showing that angel up in heaven how much you appreciate him.”

Vin, 46, also took to his Facebook page on Dec. 2 to write a message to Paul.

He wrote:

“To live in the hearts we leave behind, is not to die.”

Thomas Campbell.

Pablo, I wish you could see the world right now… and the profound impact, your full life has had on it, on Us… on me…

I will always love you Brian, as the brother you were… on and off screen.”

We continue to send our support and prayers to Paul’s family and friends during this difficult time.

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Paul Walker Tribute Video : http://geektyrant.com/news/paul-walker-tribute-video

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Heard the baton from Justin Lin is passed to James Wan in F & F7..

Wonder how they going to continue Tokyo Drift without Brain O Conner and Han?

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One name that we haven't heard much of yet in the aftermath of Paul's Walker death is that of his girlfriend, Jasmine Pilchard-Gosnell.

That changed Tuesday when she surfaced for the first time since the actor's tragic car crash at his home in Santa Barbara, California, where she visited with Paul's family for several hours.

Jasmine, 23, and Paul, who died at age 40, had been together for seven years at the time of his death. Yes, you read that correctly. Jasmine was only 16 when she started dating a then-33-year–old Walker. That makes her just eight years older than Paul's daughter, Meadow.

"Although the age difference was surprising at first, they proved naysayers wrong," a source that knew the couple tells omg!. "They really cared deeply about each other."

Jasmine was present with Walker at the charity event last Saturday that he attended just before his death. The "Fast & Furious" star was always very private about his relationship with Jasmine, but one report states that the two had plans to marry and for Jasmine to become Meadow's stepmother.

As captured by photographers, Jasmine appeared devastated as she stepped out of a car barefoot, wearing jeans and a blue hoodie. She then hugged an unidentified male friend for support. In other photos, she's seen wiping away tears.

Accident eyewitness Jim Torp tells Hollywoodlife that he was the one who broke the news of Paul's death to Jasmine. "When I told her what happened she fell, she collapsed," he said. And Jasmine might have in turn been the person that informed Meadow about her father's passing.

"I believe she is the one who told Meadow about what happened, and when she found out she was hysterical and crying," Torp added. "It was just so sad. I tried to do everything I could to help them."

It's unclear at this point whether or not Paul had a will — making it impossible to speculate how much might be left to either Jasmine or Meadow. Although Meadow grew up in Hawaii with her mom, she had moved to California to live with her dad.

Paul's total estate was valued at around $45 million, and it's likely that his net worth will increase posthumously. "Think James Dean, think Elvis Presley," Fox Business Network correspondent Cheryl Casone tells "omg! Insider." "Besides the memorabilia from the films, as well as any of his films selling on DVD. I believe his value will absolutely increase now that he has passed away at such a young age."

Meanwhile, entertainment attorney Richard Roth told "omg! Insider" that Jasmine could be left with little to nothing if she is not in Paul's will. "Presumably, most — if not all of it — will go to a trust for his daughter until she reaches a certain age," he explains.

Paul Walker's family is asking that all donations in his name be made to his charity Reach Out Worldwide whose mission is to act as first responders to those in need and seeking relief following world disasters.

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Paul Walker died of "combined effects of traumatic and thermal injuries." That's the official word from the Los Angeles County Coroner's Department, which conducted autopsies on the "Fast & Furious" star and his friend Roger Rodas on Tuesday and released the results Wednesday morning.

The report formally identified Walker, 40, as the passenger, and Rodas, 38, as the driver, in what was ruled for the first time as an "accident." According to the report, Rodas succumbed to "multiple traumatic injuries" and Walker of "combined effects of traumatic and thermal injuries." Both men died "within seconds" of the incident, described as "auto versus fixed object."

A toxicology report is still pending for both men and should be completed in six to eight weeks.

Walker and Rodas were killed when Rodas apparently lost control of their 2005 Porsche Carrera GT and slammed into a tree and light pole on Saturday afternoon in Valencia, California, bursting into flames. Walker had just participated in a nearby charity event. He was on a Thanksgiving weekend hiatus from filming "Fast & Furious 7."

The Los Angeles Country Sheriff's Department is still investigating the cause of the crash. Investigators hope to have their initial findings in the next week. Although speed was determined to be a contributing factor, detectives are also looking at the possibility of a mechanical failure or blown tire.

In the meantime, the scene of the accident has become a makeshift memorial, attracting family, friends, co-stars, and fans, who are leaving flowers, photos, and other mementos.

Also Wednesday morning, Universal Pictures announced it was shutting down production on the latest sequel.

"Right now, all of us at Universal are dedicated to providing support to Paul's immediate family and our extended 'Fast & Furious' family of cast, crew, and filmmakers," the studio said in a statement. "At this time we feel it is our responsibility to shut down production on 'Fast & Furious 7' for a period of time so we can assess all options available to move forward with the franchise. We are committed to keeping 'Fast & Furious' fans informed, and we will provide further information to them when we have it. Until then, we know they join us in mourning the passing of our dear friend Paul Walker."

The official "Fast & Furious" account on YouTube posted a loving tribute to the actor late Wednesday.

Sources tell Yahoo that about two-thirds of the film would have to be rewritten to accommodate the loss of Walker, and the screenwriters will be huddling with studio execs, director James Wan, and franchise co-star Vin Diesel to come up with a respectful way to proceed. Among the options: scrap the footage that has been shot and start over from scratch.

Paul Walker and Roger Rodas

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Paul Walker as Best Man in Brother's Wedding

As the Walker family grieves, they hold on to very recent, fond memories of their time spent with Paul.

Six weeks before the "Fast & Furious" actor's tragic death, Paul served as best man in his brother Caleb's wedding. The entire Walker family gathered on Oct. 19 at Dove Canyon Country Club in Orange County, California, where Caleb wed his longtime girlfriend, Stephanie.

In one touching photo, Paul, 40, appears happier than ever standing beside Caleb, 36. The siblings both wore three-piece gray suits and looked incredibly handsome for the special occasion. Also part of the 14-person wedding party was Paul's youngest brother, Cody, 25.

Caleb and his bride were seen at the Walker family house this week, as was a very distraught Jasmine Pilchard-Gosnell, 23, whom Paul dated on and off for seven years.

In addition to "Fast & Furious 7," which had production indefintely shutdown Wednesday, Paul was also starring in an ad campaign for Colcci that was due to launch later this month

The high-end Brazilian clothes and accessories company announced that it would be shelving the images taken of the Hollywood actor modeling its Winter 2014 collection out of respect for his family. However, Colcci released three images on its facebook page as a tribute to the actor

Walker's father, Paul Sr., briefly addressed the media this week.

"I'm just glad that every time I saw him, I told him I loved him and he would say the same thing to me," he told L.A.'s CBS2, holding back tears. "You can’t beat friends at a time like this. His brothers are all taking it pretty hard."

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Paul Walker Crash: How Many More People Will Remain Silent Passengers? : http://www.fishwrapper.com/post/2013/12/03/paul-walker-accident-death-autopsy-speed-factor-horrible-dead-roger-rodas

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Paul Walker Tribute Video : http://geektyrant.com/news/paul-walker-tribute-video

Very well done....and a fittingly song. That's right, tell the world he's coming "home".

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Two weeks after his death, actor Paul Walker was buried Saturday after a private funeral service in Los Angeles

After the funeral, Walker’s close friend and “Fast & Furious” co-star Tyrese Gibson posted on Instagram about the service.

“Today In a room full of your loved ones,” he wrote next to a black and white picture of Walker. “For selfish reasons we all wanted you to stay, another laugh, another take, another talk, another moment….. I guess you can’t get all you ask for in life…. But our hearts are FULL from all the moments we DID have.”

Walker, 40, who died Nov. 30 in a car accident that also killed driver Roger Rodas, was cremated and had his ashes interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, according to multiple reports.

Walker’s father, mother and brothers were at the ceremony.

Another “Fast” co-star Michelle Rodriguez tweeted about the ceremony.

“I said goodbye to a great man today, a man I never got to show just how much I love his spirit and his golden heart,” she said. “I hope you get my tweet in heaven, ps your right; ‘stop talking just do it already’;) Love you Paul, your departure is fuel to my fire, well meet again, enjoy that light.”