GettyAccording to his mum, actor Paul Walker, who tragically died in 2013, would still be alive if it wasn’t for a text message.
The Fast and the Furious star Paul Walker died in a car crash in 2013, sending shockwaves through his family, friends, and fans across the world.
The 40-year-old had just attended his own charity event over Thanksgiving weekend when the Porsche he was in spun out of control and crashed.
Earlier this year, it was announced there would be a documentary released, telling the story of the American’s life, titled I Am Paul Walker.
The documentary includes interviews with Paul’s cast mates, friends and family. In the programme, the actor’s mother revealed the shocking news that her son would still be alive if it weren’t for a text message he received on the day he died.
According to mum Cheryl, Paul had forgotten all about the charity event he was scheduled to attend.
Reach Out Worldwide is a charity the father of one founded in 2010, after the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
The charity website reads:
“When you put good will out there it’s amazing what can be accomplished.” – Paul Walker, Reach Out WorldWide Founder.
The charity was holding an event on November 30, 2013, to raise money for victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
Cheryl told the story of how Paul was making plans to choose and decorate a Christmas tree with his daughter Meadow, now 19, on the morning of his death.
GettyShe explained that the actor received a text that made him run out of the house and head to the charity event.
According to People, Paul’s mum said:
We were having this good conversation, and he’d forgotten about an event he had. He got a text and said, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m supposed to be somewhere!’
Paul made it to the event, but never made it back. Both himself and his friend and financial adviser Roger Rodas were killed in the car accident.
Cheryl spoke emotionally about her son, explaining that he was much more than just a film star. She also mentioned how she appreciated the support the family had received from Paul’s fans.
She said:
I think so many people think, ‘Oh, he was just a movie star who was killed in a car accident.’ But there was so much more to him. That was just a piece of who he was. He was an amazing man.
I’ve gotten letters from people all over the world who said he made a difference in their lives. That is such a blessing. He’s never forgotten.
The mother also revealed the ways herself and the rest of Paul’s family continue to honour his memory. As a tradition on Paul’s birthday, the family go to one of the actor’s favourite surfing spots and throw sunflowers into the ocean.
They relay their favourite memories of the star, keeping him vibrant in their minds.
I Am Paul Walker is set to premier on August 11 on the Paramount Network.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with soomeone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.