Paul Walker Dead Hoax: One Day Before His Death in Car Crash

Dec 01, 2013 01:27 AM EST

Just one day after Paul Walker was declared dead as part of a death hoax, the actor died in a car crash in Santa Valencia, California. Unfortunately, this time is not a hoax.

The death is confirmed in his Twitter and Facebook accounts. Walker was 40.

Walker was the passenger in a red Porsche when the car suddenly left the road and crashed into a light pole and a tree. The car exploded and burst into flames and the local police declared both occupants of the car dead at the scene.

The actor's rep confirmed the sad news: "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."

Walker leaves behind his daughter, Meadow Rain, who just celebrated her 15th birthday. Meadow's mother is his ex-girlfriend Rebecca McBrain. The two reportedly split not long after their daughter's birth, back in 1999. Meadow reportedly moved from Hawaii to California to be closer to her father a couple of years ago.

Walker grew up Mormon and graduated from Village Christian High School. His humanitarian aid organization, REACH OUT Worldwide, paid a visit to Haiti in the wake of the 2010 earthquake, and was busy raising money for victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Phillippines.

The actor's next film, "Hours," a drama about Hurricane Katrina, is due out Dec. 13.