Paul Walker Dead at 40 Following Car Crash

UPDATE #2: Representatives for Paul Walker have confirmed the actor's death via his official Twitter page:

It's with a heavy heart that we must confirm Paul Walker passed away today in a tragic car accident...MORE: http://t.co/9hDuJMH99M - #TeamPW

— Paul Walker (@RealPaulWalker) December 1, 2013

UPDATE #1: Entrepreneur Rui Delgado tweeted this photo of the accident scene, confirming that this is, tragically, not a hoax:

Hollywood actor PAUL WALKER died earlier today when his Porsche GT exploded http://t.co/Eyuq4bKFNl #RIP pic.twitter.com/7ttyPhIgKV

— Rui Delgado (@Rui) December 1, 2013

Lastly, New Regency, the film studio employing Walker, has added their own independent confirmation:

It is with great sadness to report that @RealPaulWalker has passed away. We will miss you. #RIP

— New Regency (@NewRegency) December 1, 2013

Original story follows below:

Credit: Getty Images

Actor Paul Walker, star of the Fast and Furious movies, has died at age 40 following a fiery car crash and explosion, TMZ is reporting.

Walker was in a Porsche when the driver of the vehicle lost control and slammed into what was either a post or tree in Santa Clarita, California. The car then burst into flames, killing both Walker and the driver.

It is unclear at the moment what caused the accident or who was behind the wheel.

Walker had been in town for a car show in support of Philippines typhoon relief, and had been taking friends out for rides in his new Porsche GT car. The tragic accident occurred during one of these test drives.

ABC News has also independently confirmed the tragedy:

.@ABC News confirms "Fast and Furious" star Paul Walker has died at the age of 40

— ABC News (@ABC) December 1, 2013

So yeah, this is just completely awful, no matter which way you slice it. Such a tragedy.

Our condolences go out to Walker's family and friends.