Driver in Paul Walker crash confirmed

April 15, 2009. Paul Walker smiles during the premiere of the movie "Fast and Furious 4" in Taipei. (Reuters)

Paul Walker and one other person perished in a fiery car crash and subsequent explosion on Nov. 30. That other passenger, who was driving the Porsche GT, has now been revealed to be a close friend and driving buddy of Walker.

Less than 24 hours after Paul Walker, 40, lost his life in a violent car accident in Santa Clarita, Calif., the man who was driving the vehicle has been revealed. His name was Roger Rodas, a former race car driver and a business partner of Paul.

An eyewitness confirmed that Rodas was the other person in vehicle with Walker, according to the Santa Clarita Valley Signal. “When we saw Paul and Roger leave, Paul was the passenger in the vehicle,” the witness said. “They were both experienced drivers.”

Jeff Westphal, a fellow race car driver who was close to Walker and Rodas, also confirmed that Rodas was the other passenger in an emotional Facebook message:

It is regrettable to inform everyone that the world has been robbed of two of the most generous, profound and bright individuals that I have had the pleasure to work with and call friends. Paul Walker and Roger Rodas will be severely missed, and although I am hurting from the loss of my two friends, my heart goes out to the families of the departed. Please wish them well and know that they are still watching over us all!

Roger, 38, was the CEO of Always Evolving Performance Motors, a professional automotive body shop. Walker was reportedly in business with Rodas and Always Evolving. The company’s Facebook page is filled with pictures of the two of them at racing events together.

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