The Death Of Actor And Philanthropist Paul Walker: My Thoughts

In the hours since the tragic accident that claimed actor Paul Walker‘s life on Saturday, Novemeber 30, 2013, news outlets have come pouring through the internet with updates and details about the accident, and even debunking hoax sites suggesting Walker was still alive and the accident never happened; TMZ, Variety, Us Magazine and other media outlets have confirmed the unfortunate news that the exact opposite is true.

Deadline has more details on the accident, but here is my summation of general facts:  With friend Roger Rodas behind the wheel of a red 2005 Porsche Carerra GT, he and Walker were in San Clarita Valley in Valencia, California on their way from a charity event hosted by Reach Out Worldwide, a cause which Paul himself raised on his own Facebook page in light of the devastating damage of Supertyphoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Sources declared that speed was a factor in the deadly crash that eventually led to the car’s entire engulfment in flames.

As friends and family reportedly rushed over to the scene to try and help pull both Rodas and Walker out, the fire consumed the car with the two trapped inside. When police arrived, the two were pronounced dead.

Walker‘s death has dealt an immediate blow to friends and family of the 40 year old actor, including Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson and others. While Walker’s most memorable mark will be left in the first, second, and last three films of the Fast And Furious franchise leading up to the current production of Fast And Furious 7, his three-decade long career will also be remembered in TV shows like Highway To Heaven and Who’s The Boss?, and films such as Into The Blue, Varisty Blues Pleasantville, Running Scared, Takers and his newest disaster thriller, Hours.

I don’t consistently write about the deaths of actors when they occur, and I don’t plan to. All deaths are generally tragic and some will always hit harder than others before the healing and forward-movement begins. However, Walker’s death has affected me enough that after struggling to draft all this last night, I finally found the energy I needed to contribute my voice to the circuit as well.

I have neither met Walker nor knew him personally, but I loved him as an actor, and I loved what he stood for as an activist, as I am sure many have. And judging by many of his pictures online via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and elsewhere, I can tell that Paul Walker was not only a beloved friend, but a brother, a gift and so much more to the lives of those he’s touched.

Being a movie lover and having written about his films in the past year of this site’s existence, I was devastated when I learned the news. I was coming out of watching Homefront on Saturday night and I actually wanted to make a video for Film Combat Syndicate’s Facebook page sharing my holiday wishes. I recorded my greeting and couldn’t upload it right away, so on my way out, I bided my time by going on Facebook only to suddenly be hit with RIP Paul Walker statuses and hashtags. I couldn’t believe it and I didn’t want to, but as the news grew more and more consistent, I had no choice but to accept the facts at hand for what they were.

I could barely sleep on Saturday night, and I had to wake up the next morning only after three hours of sleep because of a small emergency; Aside from dealing with some personal issues in the past couple of weeks, learning of Walker’s death gutted me. But I know it will never amount to the pain being felt right now by those who were closest to him.

To those people, you have my sincerest and heartfelt condolences.

Pain over tragic loss knows no boundaries. And as hard as life can be for people, I am a believer in the prospects of a healthy healing process, and exercising whatever positive beliefs you feel can get you through the day and still keep you going.

This holiday season, keep close to your friends and loved ones as often as you can. And remember, if you find yourself alone, remember that in a world with billions of people, you are never really alone.

For what it is worth to you all, Happy Holidays. Peace and Love.