Paul Walker was killed in a car crash

Actor Paul Walker, best known for his role in the Fast & Furious action movies, has died in a car crash after his friend lost control of a Porsche GT which smashed into a pole and a tree. 

The high-powered super-car, which was being driven by Roger Rodas, burst into flames after it crashed in Santa Clarita, north of Los Angeles, at 3:30pm on Saturday.

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 Carrera, out for a drive with his friend. 

The fundraiser, to benefit victims of Typhoon Haiyan, had been taking place in a race car shop near the scene of the crash. 

Guests rushed to put out the flames with fire extinguishers but the fireball had already engulfed the car. 

The driver of the car has been identified as former race car driver Roger Rodas, 38, who was also Walker's financial adviser.

The pair were friends and had been racing for several years before they began collaborating on Walker's finances.

Rodas had helped Walker establish his Reach Out Worldwide charity, after creating his own foundation to support widows and orphans in his native El Salvador. 

Rodas was also the CEO of Always Evolving, the car customization shop where Saturday's charity event had been taking place.

The star's representatives and official Facebook page have confirmed his death.

Ame Van Iden, Walker's publicist, said in an email: 'Sadly, I must confirm that Paul did pass away this afternoon in a car accident.'

The actor's official Facebook page was also updated with 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.