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. 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. - #TeamPW

Actor Paul Walker , 40, died Saturday afternoon in a car crash that occurred in Santa Clarita, CA, north of Los Angeles. The death has been confirmed on Walker's own Facebook page with the following message:Reports say the car Walker was riding in hit either a post or a tree before bursting into flames. The driver, who has not yet been identified, was also reportedly killed.Walker, who had appeared in some 32 films throughout his 27-year career, is most well known for starring in The Fast and the Furious franchise of films as the character Brian O'Connor opposite Dominic Torreto, played by Vin Diesel. The two can be seen together in the above image that was taken earlier this year while they were promoting the release of Fast & Furious 6. The series' seventh film is scheduled to be released in 2014, and Walker himself had previously been reported as saying the studio had already guaranteed an eighth film. Sadly, the future of the franchise without Walker involved is unknown.Our condolences go out to Walker's family and friends, as well as those of the driver.: An updated story is available here , with reactions from friends and fans, plus video.