Speed May Have Been Factor in Car Crash that Killed Paul Walker

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 1 (UPI)–Investigators say speed may have been a factor in a California car crash that killed 40-year-old actor Paul Walker.

Walker was a passenger in a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT that struck a light pole late Saturday afternoon in Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles Times reported. The car was engulfed in flames when the fire department arrived.

Walker and the driver of the car were pronounced dead at the scene.

The cause of the crash has not yet been determined, but investigators say they’re looking into the possibility that speed was a factor, the newspaper said.

A statement posted on Walker’s Twitter account said the actor was attending a charity event to aid victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

“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 said.. “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.”

Actor Vin Diesel, who co-starred with Walker on “The Fast and the Furious” film franchise, posted on Instagram: “Brother I will miss you very much. I am absolutely speechless. Heaven has gained a new Angel. Rest in Peace.”

Rapper Ludacris tweeted, “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. R.I.P.”

Talk show host Carson Daly tweeted: “Sick about the tragic loss of #PaulWalker. I enjoyed our time together very much. Such a really nice guy. Prayers to his family and friends.