Before Paul Walker tragically passed away I had thought he was just a really hot actor who knew a thing or two about acting. I had no idea he had such a kind heart or had a 15-year-old daughter, among other things.
If I lived in California I would’ve gone to the memorial tribute car rally, which took place in Santa Clarita yesterday. It was planned through social media, and was supposed to start at noon but many people started showing up as early as 6 a.m. to leave candles, flowers, and other tributes, according to Captain Mike Parker of the LA County Sheriff’s Department.
Many mourners came in high-performance vehicles, and about 5,000 people attended the car rally.
Jeff Baynes, who arrived in a Ford Mustang said, “I grew up watching him. He was my superhero. I’m very, very saddened.”
Some of the people came from Nevada, Arizona, and Texas, according to the LA Times. Many fans were wearing hats and t-shirts with photos of Paul and Roger, and they also signed a huge canvas with photos of them in the parking lot of the nearby North Park Community Church.
Edi Maya, a gardener who worked in Paul’s neighborhood and who had chatted with the actor every now and then, was in attendance yesterday.
“I work next to his house every week, twice a week. Seeing those candles there, it’s heartbreaking,” he told KABC-TV.
Rich Yune, an actor who co-starred with Paul in The Fast and the Furious, was also there.
“We mourn his loss but we can at least remember how great a guy he was and celebrate his life,” he told reporters.