Paul Walker tribute: Thousands of car enthusiasts expected Sunday

Thousands of car enthusiasts and fans of “Fast and Furious� star Paul Walker are expected to gather in remembrance of the actor and his friend Roger Rodas on Sunday at the site where the men died in a fiery crash.

Thousands of people have RSVP’d for the meetup, which is scheduled to take place from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, at the crash site on Hercules Street in Valencia. The Facebook event, created by SoCal Car Meets, said the memorial is meant for fans and was not organized by them. Nearly 4,500 people, from as far as San Diego and Washington, have said they will attend, many in caravans.

A car driven by Walker in the fourth installment of the “Fast and Furious� will be brought to the memorial as well, according to the event.

PHOTOS: Paul Walker: 1973-2013

“Drive slow, be cautious, respect what this is,� the page says, adding that attendees should peacefully walk to light candles and place flowers at the memorial.

The Santa Clarita Valley sheriff’s station said anyone visiting the memorial should follow local and state laws, including parking regulations along the road and at local businesses. Many visitors have parked along a curve in the road, which poses a safety threat to motorists who may not be able to see cars or pedestrians while approaching the area, authorities said.

“Sheriff’s deputies understand many people are choosing to visit the site to assist in the grieving process. Yet it is important to take legal safety measures to help avoid injury to people in the area,� the Sheriff’s Department said in a statement.

Walker died from a combination of traumatic injuries and burns when the 2005 Porsche Carrera GT he was riding in crashed and erupted in flames, according to preliminary autopsy results released Wednesday by the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.

The car’s driver, 38-year-old Roger Rodas, died from traumatic injuries, coroner’s officials said.

Los Angeles County Coroner’s Assistant Chief Ed Winter said the men died “within seconds� of the crash. More details will be available when the final autopsy is released, Winter added.

The deaths have been ruled an accident, with the injuries occurring as the result of “auto versus fixed object.� Although witnesses confirmed that Rodas and Walker were in the car, the men were positively identified through dental records.

They were killed about 3:30 p.m. Saturday when the Porsche crashed into a pole and several trees on Hercules Street in Santa Clarita.

Toxicology results will not be available for six to eight weeks.

Detectives have not determined what caused the crash, but a preliminary investigation indicates speed was a factor, Sheriff’s Capt. Mike Parker said.

Just how fast the car was moving is to be determined. The speed limit on the street is 45 mph.

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Twitter: @Sam_Schaefer

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