Actor Paul Walker died from injuries, burns, coroner says

LOS ANGELES – “Fast & Furious” movie star Paul Walker died from a combination of traumatic injuries and burns after the Porsche Carrera GT he was riding in crashed into a light pole and erupted in flames, the Los Angeles County coroner’s office ruled Wednesday.

Roger Rodas, 38, Walker’s financial adviser and friend, was behind the wheel of the high-performance 2005 Porsche when it crashed Saturday in Santa Clarita. Rodas was killed by the impact alone, a medical examiner concluded.

Los Angeles County Coroner’s Assistant Chief Ed Winter said Walker, 40, died “within seconds” of the crash. Winter said that more detailed information will be available once the autopsy report is finalized.

Coroner’s officials ruled the deaths accidental, with the injuries occurring as the result of “auto versus fixed object.” Although witnesses had confirmed to investigators that Rodas and Walker were in the car, the men were positively identified through dental records.

The pair were killed on a wide road that rings an industrial park that is home to their auto business. Results of toxicology tests for drugs or alcohol will take another six to eight weeks.

The cause of the crash has not yet been determined, but a preliminary investigation indicates “speed was a factor,” Sheriff’s Capt. Mike Parker reiterated Wednesday.