Paul Walker, ‘Fast and Furious’ star, dies at 40 in car crash

Paul Walker, the star of the popular "Fast and the Furious" movie franchise, is dead at the age of 40 after a car crash in Southern California.

Walker was en route with a friend to a Typhoon Haiyan charity benefit for his volunteer organization Reach Out Worldwide, when the red Porsche lost control and burst into flames, according to CNN.

Walker was a passenger in the car that was passing through Santa Clarita, Calif., a small town outside Los Angeles.

Police said they found the vehicle engulfed in flames.

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"We appreciate your patience as we too are stunned and saddened beyond belief by this news," said Walker's Facebook page Saturday evening, confirming the star's death, and thanking his fans for "keeping his family and friends in your prayers during this very difficult time."

At the time of his death, Walker had been filming the "Fast and Furious 7" in Atlanta, and had returned to the Los Angeles area for the holidays.

Walker played Brian O'Conner, a law enforcement official, in the "Fast and Furious" series, which helped him rise to fame.

The first Fast and Furious motion picture was release in 2001.

Walker's co-star, Vin Diesel, wrote on Instagram: "Brother I will miss you very much."

He added: "I am absolutely speechless. Heaven has gained a new Angel. Rest in Peace."

Walker was also the star of "Hours," an independent drama that portrays the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, set to be released on Dec. 13.