Here are five of the latest developments in the death of actor Paul Walker:
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Autopsies may be performed on bodies as early as Tuesday.
Despite earlier reports, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner told TheWrap that the procedures are not scheduled for Monday, but Tuesday is a possibility.
Walker tragically died in an unexpected and violent car crash on Saturday afternoon when the 2005 Porsche Carrera GT his race car driver friend Rodas was driving collided with a pole near a charity event in Santa Clarita, CA. The story has been developing since the moment news broke that Walker, the star of Universal’s “The Fast and the Furious” franchise, may have been one of the two unidentifiable bodies recovered from the wreckage. Confirmed by numerous sources, including his own Facebook and Twitter accounts, the news proved to be true.
Authorities investigating possibility that high-speed drag race led to Walker and Rodas’ deaths.
According to TMZ, the area where the accident occurred has a history of street racing, while investigators have received tips that the high-performance red Porsche they perished in was seen racing beforehand.
The possibility isn’t far fetched. Walker’s need for speed was no secret, and he characterized himself as “a speed demon.”
“I did 197 [mph]. I just haven’t broken 200 yet, which is driving me crazy,” the actor told Entertainment Tonight earlier this year. “I’ll do it; it’s just a matter of finding the right car.”
Investigators are looking for video footage and witnesses to support the tips they have reportedly received.
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The crash may have been caused, in part, by a steering fluid leak, or other mechanical failure.
The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department issued a statement that noted “speed was a factor in the solo vehicle collision,” but sources connected to Always Evolving — the high-performance automotive shop that Walker and Rodas co-owned — told TMZ they suspect other factors as well, for several reasons.
They saw evidence of a fluid burst and subsequent fluid trail before the skid marks at the scene of the accident, while the fire spreading so quickly at the front of the car — as opposed to the rear, where the engine is — reinforces the theory.
Furthermore, they believe the noticeable absence of skid marks until just before the point of impact suggests Rodas didn’t have steering control. The sources contend if Rodas had lost control of the vehicle, the skid marks would show swerving, as opposed to the marks which were reportedly in a straight line.
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Production on “Fast and Furious 7” in Atlanta has been delayed for an undisclosed amount of time.
An individual close to the Universal sequel, set for release on July 11 of next year, told TheWrap that plans to resume production on Monday after a holiday break were scrapped. Although director James Wan, producer Neal Moritz and Universal Pictures executives have been communicating continually since Walker’s death, full implications for the film won’t be determined until the cast and crew have had a chance to grieve.
Vin Diesel has remained mute, but “Fast and Furious” co-star Tyrese Gibson was moved to tears on Sunday at the sight of the accident.
See video of the “Fast” family member paying his respects, below: