Actor Paul Walker, best known for his role in the Fast & Furious action movies, has died in a car crash.

Walker, 40, who appeared in five of the six films about illegal street racing and heists, had been at an event for his charity Reach Out Worldwide before deciding to take the car, a cherry-red Porsche Carrer, out for a drive with his friend.

The high-powered super-car was being driven by 38-year-old Roger Rodas CEO of car customisation shop Always Evolving was also Walker’s financial advisor had helped Walker establish the charity. They were attending the charity’s fund-raiser — to benefit victims of Typhoon Haiyan — near the scene of the crash.

The car burst into flames after Rodas lost control and smashed into a pole and a tree. Guests rushed to put out the flames with fire extinguishers but the fireball had already engulfed the car.

The actor’s representatives confirmed his tragic death via his official Twitter and Facebook pages.

The message:

‘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 organisation 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. – #TeamPW.’

Friends of the star told a local newspaper they ‘went through fire extinguishers’ in a futile bid to fight the blaze that engulfed the car after the crash.

Antonio Holmes told the Santa Clarita Signal: ‘We all ran around and jumped in cars and grabbed fire extinguishers and immediately went to the vehicle. It was engulfed in flames. There was nothing.

‘They were trapped. Employees, friends of the shop. We tried. We tried.’

The Sheriff’s Department said that speed was a factor in the crash. Walker leaves behind a 15-year-old daughter, Meadow.