Paul Walker dead: Fast & Furious actor dies in LA car crash

Fast & Furious actor Paul Walker has been killed in a car crash in California.

Paul Walker, 40, was a passenger in a Porsche sports car driven by a friend – who also died – when it crashed north of Los Angeles.

The actor was said to be attending a charity event at the time.

Paul Walker starred in all but one of the films in the Fast & Furious franchise, the sixth of which opened in May.

He also starred in the suspense drama Hours, a movie that is set for release this month.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s department said the crash happened in the community of Valencia.

It said deputies found a car engulfed in flames when they responded to a report of a collision. Two people found in the car were pronounced dead at the scene.

Images showed the burned-out wreckage of a red Porsche by the side of the road.

“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 statement on Paul Walker’s Facebook page said.

“He was a passenger in a friend’s car, in which both lost their lives. We… are stunned and saddened beyond belief by this news.”

Universal Pictures also issued a statement, saying studio staff were “heartbroken” by Paul Walker’s death.

“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 & Furious films, and to countless fans.

“We send our deepest and most sincere condolences to Paul’s family.”

Paul Walker played undercover agent Brian O’Conner in the Fast & Furious movies.

The first film of the franchise was released in 2001 and the seventh is in development.

Paul Walker was one of the leading protagonists, along with Vin Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez.