TRIBUTE PAID TO U.S ACTOR PAUL WALKER

                       TRIBUTE PAID TO

               U.S ACTOR PAUL WALKER

US actor Paul Walker who starred in the Fast & Furious series of action films has been killed in a car crash in California, his publicist says.A statement on his Facebook page said Walker, 40, had been a passenger in a friend's car which crashed north of Los Angeles.He was said to be attending a charity event at the time.

He starred in The Fast and The Furious in 2001 and featured in the sixth film in the franchise which opened in May.Walker also starred in the suspense drama Hours, a movie that is set for release this month.

"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," the statement said.Walker's Fast and Furious co-star Vin Diesel wrote on his Twitter account  "Brother I will miss you very much. I am absolutely speechless. Heaven has gained a new Angel. Rest in Peace xxx" He again wrote "My brother and I... we aimed for the stars together... and achieved more than we ever hoped we could with f&f."

Another co-star Ludacris wrote on instagram: "Your humble spirit was felt from the start, wherever you blessed your presence you always left a mark, we were like brothers & our birthdays are only 1 day apart, now You will forever hold a place in all of our hearts @paulwalker legacy will live on forever. R.I.P"Universal Pictures, the company behind the film franchise, released a statement:"All of us at Universal are heartbroken. Paul was truly one of the most beloved and respected members of our studio family for 14 years, and this loss is devastating to us, to everyone involved with the Fast and Furious films, and to countless fans." Mark Webb, who works on the set of the Fast and Furious films, said: "As far as people go, they didn't come any finer, any more gracious. He always treated everybody with respect."This one hurts. This one hit right in the gut on this one," he told ABC News Radio.

A friend of Walker's, Bill Townsend, was at Saturday's charity event also attended by Walker to support the Philippines typhoon relief effort.Mr Townsend told AP Radio: "He was very happy. He was smiling at everybody, just tickled that all these people came out to support this charity. He was doing what he loved. He was surrounded by friends, surrounded by cars."

Prof. John Kurakar