Actor Paul Walker, best known for his role in the 2009 hit movie The Fast and The Furious, has been killed in a fiery car crash in California.

Celebrity news website TMZ said the 40-year-old actor was in a Porsche with one other person when the car lost control and hit a post or tree in the Californian city of Santa Clarita, killing both occupants.

A statement on the actor’s Facebook page said he was a passenger in a friend’s car and was in the area to attend a charity event for victims of Typhoon Haiyan as past of work for his organisation Reach Out Worldwide.

“We…. are stunned and saddened beyond belief by this news,” the statement read.

Film studio New Regency, which distributes through Twentieth Century Fox, confirmed the actor’s death in a tweet.

It is with great sadness to report that @realpaulwalker has passed away. We will miss you. #RIP

— New Regency (@NewRegency) December 1, 2013

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said deputies found a car engulfed in flames when they responded to a report of an accident in the community of Valencia.

Two people who were found in the car were pronounced dead at the scene.

Local media said a red Porsche crashed into a light pole and tree and burst into flames.

Walker was working on Fast & Furious 7 at the time of his death.

He also starred in the suspense drama Hours which is due for release this month.

Walker rode the Fast & Furious franchise to stardom, starring in all but one of the six action blockbusters, beginning with the first film in 2001.

“All of us at Universal are heartbroken,” Universal Pictures said in a statement.

“Paul was truly one of the most beloved and respected members of our studio family for 14 years and this loss is devastating to us, to everyone involved with the Fast and Furious Films and to countless fans.”

The actor’s official Facebook page also featured a statement yesterday and fellow actors have all tweeted their condolences, most notably Walker’s Fast and Furious co-star and close friend, Tyrese Gibson.