The 40-year-old actor’s life sadly came to an abrupt end during a car drive with close friend and financial adviser, 38-year-old Roger Rodas, who also lost his life due to the accident. The two were in Santa Clarita, North of Los Angeles attending Walker’s charity event ‘Reach Out Worldwide’ when Walker suggested “Lets go for a drive”. Walker took the passenger seat of the cherry red Porsche GT, whilst former race driver Rodas took the wheel. You can imagine that the two set out in hope and excitement of a fast and furious car ride in a prestige, exquisite car. However, this car ride took a turn for the worst after it smashed into a pole, a tree, and then burst up into flames last Saturday at 3.30pm.
Whilst many had rushed to the aid of both Walker and Rodas with fire extinguishers, including Rodas’s eight year old son who had jumped the fence to try and get his dad out of the burning vehicle. It was already too late as the car rapidly became engulfed with flames. So much so that the coroner Ed Winters stated that dental records would have to be provided in order to identify the bodies as they were unrecognisable due to being so badly burnt, and it would take days for them to be positively identified without them.
This is ‘a popular street racing location’ a source says about the area of the accident. It has been suspected that the cause of the accident was due to high speed, out of control race driving by Rodas. Police are now out on a search to prove that another car was involved and they intend on doing so by gathering any video footage or eye witnesses statements. However, a close friend stated, “Roger was a world class driver, and while he might have been speeding, as cops have said… the notion he just lost control is preposterous”. Further investigation has led to the belief that a mechanical failure may also be the cause of the accident. This is proven as not only were there clear visible steering fluid leak trails before the skid marks at the accident scene, but also due to the fact that it was unusual for the front of the car to be approached by the firing flames so quickly – when the sports cars engine is situated in the back of the vehicle.
Walker is father to a fifteen year old girl who had recently moved to California in order to build a closer relationship with her father. He has been in a long term relationship with twenty three year old Jasmine Pilchard-Gosnell. Both are understandably experiencing an enormous amount of excruciating grief, as is Rodas’s wife Kristine and children. Many have stated that both Walker and Rodas have left behind beloved family and dear friends, and whilst the factual evidence of this statement may be true, we must praise, uplift, remember and even celebrate that both Walker and Rodas’s legacy will and shall forever live on. Not only through their immediate family and friends, but through friends of family, fans, their businesses etc. As we mourn the loss, we must remember that we also were blessed, blessed in getting the time, chance and privilege to live amongst these talented men. To a part of these mens lives, their careers and to just be fortunate enough to even know who Walker and Rodas were.
Now we all know actor Paul Walker from the mind blowing, heart racing, adrenaline pumping films The Fast and The Furious, where he acted alongside the likes of Tyrese Gibson, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, to name a few. Walker played a major role in all but one of the seven blockbuster hits, and loved every minute of doing so. Which comes as no surprise, as Walker’s official twitter account states that he is an “outdoors man, ocean addict, adrenaline junkie… and I do some acting on the side”. There is no denying that the two’s close bond was formed because they both loved and shared the same passion in life.
Whilst Roger Rodas may not share the gift of acting, he was also an adrenaline junkie who enjoyed fast cars., but thats not all. Since obtaining a degree in finance and receiving various credentials and certifications, Rodas went on to be a successful business man and was as a wealth adviser for over twenty years. Further to this, he became the brains and the co-founder behind ‘Always Evolving’ ( Walker’s race team) and ‘Reach out World Wide’ charity. With six podium finishes and two race wins, Rodas was an experienced and skilled driver in the Pirelli Porsche Cup drivers championship. It was here that the two’s ever lasting connection began.
” If one day the speed kills me, do not cry because I was smiling ” Paul Walker.
Living life in the Fast and Furious lane was what they loved. So why would they have lived any other way?
ALSO SEE:Â
