American actor Paul Walker has died at the age of 40.

The actor, who gained worldwide popularity for starring in the 'Fast & Furious' franchise, died in a car crash on Saturday (Nov 30th) in Southern California, he was not driving at the time.

TMZ reported, in Santa Clarita on Saturday afternoon, Walker was in a Porsche when it crashed, for an unknown reason, after the driver lost control and collided with a post or a tree which caused the car to burst into flames.

Along with Paul, another person in the vehicle died.

Walker was in Santa Clarita to support a car show that was raising money to support the Philippines typhoon relief effort.

According to sources, he was taking friends out for a spin in a new Porsche GT and this is when the accident occurred.

Walker first emerged as a big Hollywood player when he was cast as 'Brian O'Connor' in' The Fast and the Furious' (2001), he reprised this role on 4 other occasions and became part of one of cinema's most successful films franchises.

The 'Hours' actor was currently filming the latest instalment 'Fast & Furious 7' alongside Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Tyrese Gibson plus many more, and welcomed British actor Jason Statham to the cast as 'Dom Toretto's' new adversary.

Paul has a fifteen year old daughter called Meadow, who recently just moved in with him, according to Us Weekly.

A statement was posted on Walker's Facebook page;

"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?."

RIP Paul Walker.

Paul Walker
Paul Walker died in a car crash on Saturday afternoon (Nov 30th)