Unbelievable tragedy : Paul Walker killed today at age 40

Paul Walker dies in fatal car accident

Action star Paul Walker has been killed in a tragic car accident that has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and around the world.

According to TMZ, Walker was killed Saturday afternoon in a car crash that caused an explosion in Santa Clarita.

There is also a 2nd possible casualty in the accident according to the on-scene report but this hasn't been confirmed by law enforcement.

The tragedy also comes just as the star was attending a car show to support the typhoon relief operations in the Philippines.

'Fast and Furious 6' was one of this year's biggest movie releases, however the actor also featured in a South African production that was not a commercial success.

This is a developing story, more to follow.

Paul Walker: News updates

Two fatalities in the accident have been confirmed in a collision that occurred 3.30pm local time.

Two Fatalities in Sat. Traffic Collision, 28300 blk Rye Canyon Loop, Valencia, Santa Clarita Valley #LASD #SCV http://t.co/yGQ3J8EZMh

— SCV Sheriff (@SCVSHERIFF) December 1, 2013

Paul Walker's staff have just confirmed is tragic passing via his official Facebook Page:

"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. -"

Celebrities and fans have started to respond to the news on Twitter

I liked Paul Walker. He made Vin Diesel's "acting" seem less "act-y" but still not great. — Matt Mira (@MattMira)

Shocked about @RealPaulWalker... Very sad news. My prayers goes out to his family.

— mR. pOrTeR (@mRpOrTeR7) December 1, 2013

guys... did Paul Walker die? don't know him from his most popular movies but #EightBelow was so good. praying for his family :/ — Jamie Grace (@jamiegraceh) December 1, 2013

So sad. RIP "@Variety: official Facebook& Twitter accounts for #PaulWalker confirm his death| http://t.co/1wwmCVeEr0 pic.twitter.com/bDASLJmc1a"

— Louise Roe (@louiseroe) December 1, 2013

What horrible news #PaulWalker prayers go out to his family. You just never know.... Cherish each breath, it's a gift — LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) December 1, 2013

Paul Walker had no reason to wake up this morning and think he wouldn't see tomorrow. There are simply no guarantees in this life.

— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) December 1, 2013

Man... So sad to hear the terrible news about Paul Walker. RIP. Everyone be safe on the road... Anything can happen. — Demetrius Joyette (@SLsJoyette) December 1, 2013

Paul Walker's publicist has just issues a brief statement regarding Paul's death via CNN:

Paul Walker publicist Ame van Iden: "Sadly I must confirm that Paul did pass away this afternoon in a car accident." #RIPPaulWalker #CNN

— David Daniel (@CNNLADavid) December 1, 2013

We'll miss ya, buddy #RIP Paul Walker pic.twitter.com/PiqPO5NwHs — Hollywood Quotes (@HollywoodQuotes) December 1, 2013

"All at Universal are heartbroken. Paul Walker was truly one of the most beloved and respected members of our studio family for 14 years."

— Nikki Finke (@NikkiFinke) December 1, 2013

After learning about the news of Paul Walker's death fans around the world have come together to set up a tribute page on Facebook. With 292,000 likes since this morning, the Paul Walker Tribute is just one of many appearing.

The BBC has made a career highlight, sharing some of the messages of condolences received from around the world.

Friends and relatives spoke with the Santa Clarita Valley Signal a few hours ago telling them how they learned about the news of Paul Walker's death.

According to TMZ, the autopsy to be carried out on Paul Walker and Roger Rodas has been delayed until next week

CNN has revealed that burned rubber along with donut marks were found at the scene of the car crash. There is also speculation that the speed at which they were travelling at was a factor in the accident.

In the last few minutes the Hollywood Reporter has released a gallery highlighting the memorable moments of Paul Walker's career. The first picture shows us a snapshot of 1998 hit 'Pleasantville'

Actors and celebrity friends of Paul Walker have spoken about the loss. Variety reports on how Vin Diesel, dawyne Johnson and co-stars reacted to the news.