PAUL Walker, star of the Fast and the Furious movie series, has died in a car crash in California.
The 40-year-old actor was killed when the driver of a Porsche he was a passenger in lost control and hit a telegraph pole in Santa Clarita, according to TMZ.
The actor's death was confirmed in a statement posted on his official Twitter account and Facebook page.
It's with a heavy heart that we must confirm Paul Walker passed away today in a tragic car accident...MORE: http://t.co/9hDuJMH99M - #TeamPW
Variety is reporting that authorities responded to the crash and found the car engulfed in flames.
The victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
The statement on the star's Facebook page read: "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 organisation 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."
There was initial confusion over news of the star's death, with some claiming it was a hoax.
I do not like the word "accident". An accident is something you cannot control, a set of circumstances that no one can control, but driving too fast in a sports car on suburban roads is not an accident.