Paul Walker death: Flames prevented rescue attempt, witnesses say

By James Barragan, Samantha Schaefer and Adolfo Flores

Dec. 2, 2013 3 AM PT

Witnesses said Sunday that there was little anyone could do to save “Fast & Furious” actor Paul Walker and another man after their Porsche crashed Saturday afternoon in Santa Clarita.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on Sunday continued to investigate the single-car crash but did not reveal any details on a possible cause.

Speed may have been a factor in the crash, which occurred about 3:30 p.m. on Hercules Street, a normally quiet road with a 45-mph speed limit, authorities said. Walker was apparently the passenger in the 2005 red Porsche Carrera GT.

The four-lane road up the hilly street has signs warning drivers to slow down as they approach an uphill curve near the site of the accident.

Autopsies are expected to be performed this week.

Walker, 40, and his friend, Roger Rodas, took a red Porsche out for a spin as a charity event held in support of Walker’s organization Reach Out Worldwide was winding down.

Witness Jim Torp said he heard a loud boom, and knew his friends had been in an accident. The smoke from the crash was visible from Always Evolving Performance Motors.

Jim Torp’s son, Brandon, 28, grabbed a fire extinguisher and headed up the hill, followed by about 20 other workers, the elder Torp said.

“There was nothing they could do,” he told The Times.

Brandon Torp told the Los Angeles Daily News that flames from the fire were 15 to 20 feet tall.

“The fire was too big — we couldn’t do anything,” he said. “It all happened so quick.”

Photos: Paul Walker, 1973-2013

The fiery crash left charred trees in the secluded area near a business park, and a burned smell lingered in the air Sunday. The car, which was reduced to an ashen hulk, had toppled a tree and a concrete lamp post, which crews from Southern California Edison removed Sunday. Looping tire tracks were visible on the asphalt nearby.

Investigators are looking at whether the tire tracks are related to the crash, but the investigation is ongoing, said Sheriff’s Deputy Peter Gomez. There probably will not be an update on the investigation until Monday, he said.

Because of the condition of the bodies, which were badly burned, dental records will be used to positively identify the victims, said Los Angeles County coroner’s investigator Dana Bee. Autopsies have not been scheduled.

PHOTOS: Celebrities react to the death of Paul Walker

A video taken moments after the accident shows black smoke billowing from the crumpled red Porsche, which caught fire, and debris scattered about the roadway.

“The car is in half. I can’t tell if there is someone in there,” one person on the video is heard saying.

Seconds later comes an answer: “Yes, there is someone in there.” At least one person heard on the video expresses concern that the burning car could explode.

Eduardo Luna, who owns the warehouse across from where the event was held, saw the Porsche leave the parking lot moments before the crash. Ten minutes later, he heard about the accident and ran down to Hercules Street, where he saw the car in flames.

“They just didn’t want to believe this happened,” Torp told fans and media at the crash site on Sunday. “It was ‘Fast and the Furious,’ that’s what it is. Both race car enthusiasts, both loved speed, both knew how to handle cars, and this had to happen.”

Walker was in good spirits earlier in the afternoon and overwhelmed by the event’s success, Torp said. The parking lot of the shop had been full of high-performance cars, and he and Rodas were greeting people, shaking hands and enjoying themselves.

Reach Out Worldwide was formed in 2010 as a quick-response first-aid organization, and the event was one of many car shows Rodas helped put on each month, Torp said. Proceeds were to be donated to families affected by the typhoon in the Philippines and a tornado in Indiana, Torp said.

When Rodas’ wife and young daughter arrived at the Always Evolving warehouse after the accident, he said he heard screaming through the doors after they learned of Rodas’ death.

“The saddest part was watching ... Paul Walker’s daughter break down,” Torp said.

Rodas, 38, was active in philanthropy and supported several charities through his racing. He competed in 10 Pirelli World Challenge GTS races in 2013, according to the racing organization. Torp, who with his son has worked with Always Evolving for several years, described Rodas as a compassionate, fun man who cared deeply about others, and “loved his American cars as much as he loved his $500,000 cars.”

“They died doing what they enjoy doing,” he said. “Two close friends died together right next to a church. They’re both with God.”

At the time of his death, the “Fast & Furious” star, who also appeared in “Pleasantville” and “Varsity Blues,” was working on the seventh film of the franchise.

Dozens of fans gathered in Valencia early Sunday at the crash site, where a makeshift memorial was growing. “Fast & Furious” memorabilia was placed alongside candles and flowers. One sign read, “Paul Walker Race in Heaven.”

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