News has just broken of the tragic death of Paul Walker in a car accident at a charity event for his organization Reach Out Worldwide, a charity he helped set up in 2010 to help those people affected by natural disasters. Aged 40, the actor has starred in movies such as Varsity Blues, Pleasentville, and The Skulls, but it best known to countless people worldwide for his role as Brian O'Connor in the Fast and Furious franchise, becoming the backbone of the series alongside Vin Diesel. The thoughts of all of us here at The Movie Bit are with his family and friends during this dark time.
The news was confirmed by the following statement from the actor's Facebook page:
"It is with a truly heavy heart that we must confirm that Paul Walker has passed away today in a tragic car accident while attending a charity event for his organization 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."
"All of us at Universal are heartbroken. Paul was truly on 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. We send our deepest and most sincere condolences to Paul's family".