"Fast & Furious" actor Paul Walker dies in fiery car crash

buzzz worthy. . .

Paul Walker, star of "Fast and Furious" movie franchise died in a car crash engulfed in flames in Valencia, CA outside of Los Angeles Saturday afternoon.  Walker was a passenger in a friend's car. Both died in the single vehicle wreck. Investigators are trying to determine if speed was a factor according to an L.A. Times report.

Sadly, a statement on his Twitter page said the 40-year-old actor was headed to a charity event to aid Filipino victims of Typhoon Haiyan for his organization Reach Out Worldwide, formed in 2010 as a quick response first-aid organization.

“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 read. 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.”

Representatives with Universal Pictures confirmed Walker’s identity and released a statement:

“All of us at Universal are heartbroken. 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 and Furious' films, and to countless fans. We send our deepest and most sincere condolences to Paul's family.”

A day before the fatal crash a death hoax was spreading online, ironically.

Condolences and reactions have poured in from fans and stars.  Two of his Fast & Furious cast members (Tyrese Gibson and Ludacris) were the first to react:

More details are forthcoming as this story continues to develop.