Santa Clarita was recently struck with the news of the tragic deaths of actor Paul Walker and his friend, Santa Clarita resident Roger Rodas, who lost their lives in a car accident in the Rye Canyon Industrial Center.
Paul Walker was best known for his roles in the successful ‘Fast & Furious’ movie franchise, but he was also a philanthropist who dedicated much of his personal time to giving back through his charity Reach Out WorldWide, which he founded with Roger Rodas.
Roger Rodas was a loving family man, a husband and a father of two. A financial planner by trade, he was an avid racing enthusiast and a local business owner. Roger also had a charity of his own, and it was this mutual passion for cars and giving back that led him and Walker to found Reach Out WorldWide.
It is tremendously heartbreaking to lose a loved one, but even more so when we lose them too soon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Paul and Roger’s families and friends.
It is unfortunate events like this that call us to attention, and remind us how precious life is.
I would like to personally thank our Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Deputies and members of our City staff, who remained on scene this weekend during a public memorial at the accident site. Your dedication and diligence ensured the safety of our residents and visitors, and prevented an already sad event from resulting in further tragedy.