**REAL-TIME TRIBUTES ON PAUL WALKER’S PASSING**
(CNN) — Actor Paul Walker, a star of the “Fast & Furious” movie franchise, died Saturday in a car accident, his publicist said.
“Sadly, I must confirm that Paul did pass away this afternoon in a car accident,” publicist Ame van Iden confirmed to CNN Entertainment. She said she could not elaborate beyond statements posted on Walker’s official Twitter and Facebook accounts.
A post on Walker’s Facebook page said, “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.”
The website for the charity indicated there was an event in Southern California on Saturday to benefit victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
Along with Vin Diesel, the 40-year-old Walker has been one of the stalwarts of the “Fast & Furious” movie series, characterized by its racing scenes and attractive cast.
The box-office success of the first film in 2001 fueled sequels. The series’ sixth installment came out earlier this year, topping the Memorial Day weekend box office.
A seventh film is scheduled for release in 2014.
On his verified Twitter account, Walker described himself as “outdoorsman, ocean addict, adrenaline junkie … and I do some acting on the side.”
Walker also is the star of “Hours,” an independent film scheduled to be released December 13 about a father struggling to keep his newborn infant alive in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
Twitter and other social media exploded with reactions to Walker’s death.
“Completely numb and saddened to hear of the tragic death of Paul Walker,” wrote one posted “Wow.”
Hollywood condolences came from Will Smith, Jack Osbourne, DMX and others.
“No, @RealPaulWalker. No. No. No,” tweeted Alyssa Milano. “Rest with the angels. You. Sweet boy. #beauty #love #RIP.”
