In a story so shocking that numerous media insisted–and likely hoped–it was a hoax, “The Fast & The Furious” star Paul Walker died Saturday.
The actor, 40, was in the passenger seat of a Porsche when his friend, the driver, lost control of the wheel and crashed into a tree. An explosion followed, and both men tragically passed.
“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,” confirmed Walker’s representatives. “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.”
As the news broke, fans, reporters and other celebrities shared in the representatives’ sadness and offered condolences on Twitter. Some celebrity reactions follow:
Thoughts and prayers tonight are with Paul Walker's friends and family, especially his little girl. So sad. Very heavy heart tonight.
— James Van Der Beek (@vanderjames) December 1, 2013
Really hard to find words to say when someone passes too soon. Very heartbreaking about Paul Walker. Sending prayers to his loved ones. RIP.
— Lucy Hale (@lucyhale) December 1, 2013
I am so devastated to hear Paul Walker is gone 🙁 you never know what could happen. Tell your loved ones you love them right now.
— Jessie James Decker (@TheJessicaJames) December 1, 2013
My condolences to Paul Walker's family. Rest In Peace.
— Amber Patrice Riley (@MsAmberPRiley) December 1, 2013
RIP Paul Walker. Gone too soon!! Life is precious
— Michael Strahan (@michaelstrahan) December 1, 2013
So sad to hear about Paul Walker. So young. Can't believe it.
— Kevin McHale (@druidDUDE) December 1, 2013
#RIP Paul Walker …. One of the nicest, most down to earth guys in the business. Glad I had the honor of know & work with such person
— Trevor Donovan (@TrevDon) December 1, 2013
I can't believe Paul Walker died (Tears) Thats so sad! God Bless him and his Family. #RIPPaulWalker 🙁
— Amber Rose (@DaRealAmberRose) December 1, 2013
RIP Paul Walker!!
— Melissa Joan Hart (@MelissaJoanHart) December 1, 2013
My thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go out to the family of #PaulWalker from The Fast & Furious.
— Bret Michaels (@bretmichaels) December 1, 2013
Oh my god I am so shocked to see the tragic news that Paul Walker has died. Can't believe it how unbelievably sad. #RIPPaulWalker
— Kimberley Walsh (@KimberleyJWalsh) December 1, 2013
Terrible news. Sleep Easy Paul Walker. Prayers to his family!
— James Harden (@JHarden13) December 1, 2013
RIP Paul Walker… so tragic
— Abigail Breslin (@yoabbaabba) December 1, 2013
Though I didn't know him well, I did know Paul Walker to be one of the good guys. Obviously, he has been taken from us way too young. #RIP
— Nick Lachey (@NickLachey) December 1, 2013
So sad about Paul Walker. May he rest in peace and join the Angels above. A truly beautiful person in work and helping others.
— Ashley Tisdale (@ashleytisdale) December 1, 2013
RIP Paul Walker. Such a tragedy when an incredible talent, and an even better heart, passes away so young. My prayers are with his family.
— Debby Ryan (@DebbyRyan) December 1, 2013
Rest in Peace to a true light, Paul Walker. To be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord
— Nick Cannon (@NickCannon) December 1, 2013
@RealPaulWalker Sending a lot of light in this time of darkness to your loved ones and all that loved you! Light, love and strength!
— Perez Hilton (@PerezHilton) December 1, 2013
Shocked & sad to hear about Paul Walker. Met him several times over the years- a hard worker & always kind. Prayers … http://t.co/wVAKxf97Yr
— Seth Green (@SethGreen) December 1, 2013
Shocked and saddened by the tragic death of #PaulWalker It's really hard to believe. My thoughts are with his friends and family. RIP
— Sarah Hyland (@Sarah_Hyland) December 1, 2013
RIP Paul Walker
— Kyrie Irving (@KyrieIrving) December 1, 2013
Paul Walker… So sad. Heartbroken. Thoughts and prayers to his friends and family #RIPPaulWalker
— Kat Graham (@KatGraham) December 1, 2013
A very sad day indeed. R.I.P. Paul Walker. Our prayers are with you and your family.
— Zoe Saldana (@zoesaldana) December 1, 2013
What a tragedy. Cherish every moment with your friends, family & loved ones. You never know what could happen. Heartbreaking #RIPPaulWalker
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) December 1, 2013
Just heard the horrible news about Paul Walker. So sad & shocked to hear this. 🙁 My heart goes out to his friends & family. #RIPPaulWalker
— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) December 1, 2013
I was a big fan of Paul Walker. I would like to send my most heartfelt prayers to his family. Um grande ator… pic.twitter.com/WTiNxbu74A
— Anderson Silva (@SpiderAnderson) December 1, 2013
I cannot believe Paul walker passed away. This is so tragic. What an incredibly kind human being to leave us so soon. Pray for his family.
— Alexa Vega (@alexavega) December 1, 2013
How fragile we are…
RIP Paul Walker
— Michael Chiklis (@MichaelChiklis) December 1, 2013
Heavy heavy heart tonight. Paul Walker was a genuinely good, sweet, kind, laid back, loving person. Sending much love to his family.
— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) December 1, 2013
RIP Paul Walker. 🙁 Saw him for the first time in Meet The Deedles when I was 10. Can't imagine what his family and friends are feeling.
— Cassadee Pope (@CassadeePope) December 1, 2013
Just heard the awful news about Paul Walker…so so sad. I've always heard such nice things about him. Prayers to his family 🙁
— Jenna Dewan-Tatum (@jennaldewan) December 1, 2013
So shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Paul Walker. My love to his family. http://t.co/J1n95Pw2fe – #TeamPW
— Ali Larter (@TheRealAliL) December 1, 2013