Fast and Furious 7 Release Date: Production Team Pays Tribute to Paul Walker After Filming Completes

Jul 21, 2014 11:29 AM EDT

The 'Fast and Furious 7' production team left a moving tribute for Paul Walker in a letter posted on Facebook, shortly after filming ended on June 10.

"Our family is big and strong but it won't ever quite be whole again without Paul," the letter stated. "All of us - those who've been here from the start and those whose first FAST film is 7 - wanted to create a special film for him and for you. We believe we have."

Walker died last year in fiery car crash, before 'Fast and Furious' filming was completed. His two brothers, Cody and Caleb, were later hired as body doubles to recreate the deceased actor's likeness. Extensive CGI work was also used to enhance the effect. Before his death, Walker starred as undercover police officer Brian O'Conner. Instead of being killed off, O'Conner will simply go into retirement.

Back in May, Cody was spotted at Malibu beaches near Los Angeles in what appeared to be a film shoot for a scene involving Paul's onscreen family. It was speculated that the beach scene was part of a happy ending showing O'Conner walking into the sunset with wife and child. Even so, the scene's context remains unclear at this time.

Last Friday, Walker co-star Vin Diesel thanked fans for their support throughout the difficult filming process.

"None of it would have been possible without you... the strength, conviction and confidence came from you, and I know together, we have made Pablo proud," Diesel wrote on Facebook.

'Fast and Furious 7' will premiere in theaters nationwide on April 3, 2015.