Fans Expected At Crash Site For Anniversary Of Paul Walker, Roger Rodas Tragic Death
SANTA CLARITA (CBSLA.com) — Fans gathered Sunday to remember movie star Paul Walker and his friend Roger Rodas, who were killed in a single-vehicle crash one year ago.
According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, crews were sent around 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 30, 2013, to the 28300 block of Rye Canyon Loop in Valencia for report of a vehicle collision.
Officials said the red 2005 Porsche Carrera GT was fully engulfed in flames when they arrived on scene.
A preliminary investigation revealed the vehicle crashed into a tree, then a light pole, before bursting into flames.
According to police, the vehicle was traveling about 90 mph when it lost control after coming out of a curve in the roadway.
Authorities explained the area had an enforced speed limit of 45 mph.
Walker, 40, and Rodas, 38, were found inside the vehicle after firefighters were able to extinguish the flames. They both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities added Rodas was driving, and Walker was sitting in the passenger seat at the time of the crash.
For several days, fans gathered at the crash site, leaving candles, posters and flowers in memorial of the two men.
Investigators said that unsafe driving and speed, not mechanical problems or roadway conditions, caused the crash. Officials said Rodas was driving about 80 mph in a 45 mph zone.
Walker was best known for starring in the "Fast and Furious" film franchise.
Rodas was a professional driver, who reportedly competed in 10 Pirelli World Challenge GTS races last year.
The two men co-owned an auto racing team together.
"Fast and Furious" co-star Tyrese Gibson posted a photo with Walker on Sunday that read, "A celebration of Paul Walker will be echoed around the world today."
Fans also took to social media.
Katie Smith quoted Walker: "If one day speed kills me, don't cry because I was smiling."
CBS2's Greg Mills talked to many of the fans who gathered.
He spoke to one man who drove six hours from northern California and met a woman who said she flew from England with her father, just to be at the site.
"It was about a six hour drive with traffic but it was worth every second," said Hector Zavala who came from Gilroy.
RELATED:
90 MPH Speed, Not Mechanical Failure, To Blame For Paul Walker Crash
Officials Rule Out Mechanical Problems For Crash That Killed Paul Walker, Friend
Thousands Of Fans, Many In High-Performance Cars, Stream In To Paul Walker Memorial
Officials Say Speed Played A Factor In Paul Walker Crash
'Fast And Furious' Star Paul Walker Killed In Fiery Car Crash
