DEATH OF PAUL WALKER

                                              

      

On November 30, 2013, at approximately 3:30 p.m. PST, Walker and friend Roger Rodas; who was a former professional racer and later worked as Paul Walker's financial adviser age 38, left an event for Walker's charity Reach Out Worldwide for victims of Typhoon Haiyan in Rodas' red 2005 Porsche Carrera GT. After leaving the event, the car crashed into a light pole and tree on Hercules Street, a 45 mph speed zone near Kelly Johnson Parkway in Valencia, Santa Clarita, California, after which the vehicle burst into flames. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department declared both victims dead at the scene. Rodas died of multiple traumatic injuries, while Walker died from the combined effects of traumatic and thermal injuries, according to the Los Angeles county coroner's office.

The curve where Walker and Rodas were killed is a popular spot for drifting cars. Investigators believe the car he was in reached at least 90 mph before the crash. Police also investigated as to whether drag racing played a role, but were unable to find evidence of a second car's involvement. A different theory given by Paul Walker's family claims that reflectors on the road may have contributed to the crash, claiming this particular kind of Porsche is known to lose control if coming into contact with even the tiniest road bumps while speeding. Authorities determined that Rodas was driving the car, while Walker was the passenger.