Now I love the Fast & Furious franchise as much as any one. The cars, the action, the girls, the big guys and the general hi-octane, fast paced nothing-is-impossible-kick-back-and-be-entertained films that they are. The cast made the films, not the films made the cast and every addition (especially Dwayne Johnson) seemed to take the franchise to the next level.
So why has this tragic accident gotten to me so much? Maybe it is because at 40, he was finally at the top of his game, at the peak of his powers. In a recent interview he'd said that only a few years ago he wouldn't have been able to have played the part in "Hours" that he has. It'd taken time for him as an actor to mature.
But the more I think about it, the more I think that it's because it was an avoidable accident. Something that didn't need to happen. He wasn't sick, he wasn't an alcoholic or drug addict. From all reports he was one of the good guys, loved and respected by everyone and a founder of his own "Reach out Worldwide" charity. Reports say that he was at one of his own charity events and had left for 5 minutes to have a ride out in a Porsche and never came back. Never came back - that sends shivers down my spine.
When I left the house very early this morning to go to the gym I glanced back at the house and wondered if this could be my last journey, my last time of seeing my wife and children. It made me realise that we all take life so much for granted, how it all feels so robust and indestructible yet at times like these it all begins to feel so fragile.
I am truly saddened that Paul Walker is dead and my heart, love and thoughts go out to his family and friends.
Live fast, die young? Die old - or so Mr Brent says.
