Key Takeaways:
* Due to a terrible accident in his Porsche, Paul Walker, an acclaimed superstar of the Fast and Furious saga, lost his life at 40.
* The coroner’s report depicts an agonizing death involving severe blunt head, neck, and chest trauma, along with thermal injuries; it further revealed Walker was conscious amidst the fire.
* Cody Walker and Tyrese Gibson uphold Walker’s legacy through FuelFest, a global car racing show which raises funds for Walker’s charity, Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW).
Inside the Tragedy: Walker’s Final Hours and Autopsy
Acclaimed Hollywood actor, Paul Walker, known for his ground-breaking roles in the Fast and Furious franchise, tragically died on November 30, 2013, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. The sudden calamity which took his life and that of his friend, Roger Rodas, occurred when Rodas, the driver of Walker’s 2005 Porsche Carrera GT, lost control at over 100 mph on Hercules Street in Santa Clarita. The accident caused the car to collide with a curb, a tree, and a pole, killing both occupants instantly.
An examination of the late actor’s autopsy report presented by the Los Angeles Times divulged a far more tragic reality than initial accounts depicted. The report indicated that Walker had suffered “severe blunt head, neck, and chest trauma.” Additionally, the Fast and Furious icon incurred multiple broken bones, including in his arm, wrist, jaw, and ribs. Notably, the actor’s body was found burned “beyond recognition.”
As highlighted by The Guardian, further autopsy details illustrated that Walker’s death resulted from both traumatic and “thermal injuries.” Rodas, on the other hand, sustained a fractured skull and “multiple traumatic injuries.” The car was virtually split in half, bearing substantial collision damages.
The Intensity of Walker’s Final Moments
Further insights shared by Looper paint an agonizing picture of Walker’s final moments. Thermal injuries caused his muscles and body tissue to contract, resulting in a “pugilistic stance.” Perhaps the most chilling detail was the discovery of soot in Walker’s trachea, and a 14% carbon monoxide saturation in his bloodstream — 12% above average. Evidently, Walker was conscious during the blaze, experiencing these painful final moments of his life.
Honoring Walker’s Legacy: An Ongoing Commitment
Despite the tribulation surrounding Paul Walker’s death, his memory is kept alive by his brother Cody Walker and his Fast and Furious co-star, Tyrese Gibson. More than a decade after the unfortunate incident, they continue to honor Walker’s legacy by raising funds for his nonprofit, Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW), through the global car racing show, FuelFest. ROWW provides support to areas ravaged by natural disasters.
In conversation with Us Weekly, Cody Walker expressed his pride, revealing that they have raised approximately half a million dollars to date through these endeavors. Both Cody and Gibson view this humanitarian task as a means to uphold a part of Walker’s legacy and honor his deep-rooted passion.
The Upshot
Even after his untimely death, Paul Walker’s impact remains influential in Hollywood and beyond. His commendable work in his life and his tragic accident serve as a sobering reminder of the transience of life. Fans can stream the first six Fast and Furious films, featuring Walker, on Peacock.
