Publicist: 'Fast & Furious' star dies in a car crash

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. -- A publicist for actor Paul Walker says the star of the "Fast & Furious" movie series has died in a car crash north of Los Angeles. He was 40.

Ame Van Iden says Walker died Saturday afternoon.

A statement on Walker's Facebook page said Walker was a passenger in a friend's car, and that the crash happened while he was attending a charity event.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's department said the crash happened in community of Valencia. The Santa Clarita Signal reports a red Porsche crashed into a light pole and tree and burst into flames.

Walker was working on the latest "Fast & Furious" movie at the time of his death. He also starred in the suspense drama, "Hours," a movie that is set for release this month.