Paul Walker’s passing in 2013 left an indelible mark on his family, friends, and fans worldwide. Eleven years later, his younger brother, Cody Walker, opens up about the lingering pain and personal reflections in a rare interview.
The Lingering Pain of Losing Paul
Cody Walker, the younger brother of Fast & Furious star Paul Walker, has shared an emotional and rare interview, reflecting on the enduring grief that still weighs on him, nearly 11 years after his brother’s tragic death. Paul passed away in November 2013 at the age of 40 in a devastating car accident. His sudden loss, especially at such a young age, continues to affect his family deeply.
In a conversation with E! News published on March 5, 2025, Cody expressed how he still feels the sting of loss each year as he grows older. “Paul passed away way too young, at 40 years old,” Cody said. “Every single year I get closer to 40, it just bums me out. It’s weird to say that I’m 36, I’m going to be 37. And I feel like every year beyond 40 is going to be like, ‘He should have had this. Here’s another year Paul should have had.’”
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For Cody, the idea of getting older without his brother has been emotionally challenging. The milestone of turning 40 was something Paul should have experienced, and Cody feels the weight of it every year as he grows closer to that age. “It’s the guilt for getting there. The guilt is like, why? Why do some people get taken from us, and others stick around that you know shouldn’t? It’s just the damnedest thing. It’s not fair,” Cody added.
The Tragic Accident That Took Paul’s Life
Paul Walker’s death occurred on November 30, 2013, when he was involved in a horrific car accident in Santa Clarita, California. The actor was driving his Porsche Carrera GT with friend and business associate Roger Rodas when the car crashed. According to the official report from the Los Angeles coroner’s office, the car lost control, struck a sidewalk, and crashed into a tree before bursting into flames.
The incident shocked fans and the entertainment world, with many struggling to come to terms with the loss of the beloved actor who had become a cultural icon through his role in the Fast & Furious franchise.
Kristy McCracken, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles coroner’s office, confirmed that the cause of the crash was due to the loss of control, as the vehicle began to spin before ultimately hitting a tree and light post. The force of the impact caused the car to continue spinning, eventually hitting another tree, which resulted in the car bursting into flames.
The details of the tragic accident are difficult for those who loved Paul, including his family, who have had to process this devastating event for over a decade.
Cody’s Reflections on Grief and Loss
In his interview, Cody reflected on the ongoing process of grief. The loss of a sibling is never easy, and for Cody, the grief doesn’t have an expiration date. “It’s tough, it’s really tough. It’s not something you get over. You just have to carry on,” he shared, acknowledging the complex emotions that come with losing a loved one, especially someone as iconic and deeply loved as Paul.
The loss has also had a ripple effect on Cody’s life. As he grows older, the absence of his brother becomes more tangible. His feelings of guilt are not just about the years Paul missed but about the unfairness of death. “It’s just the damnedest thing. It’s not fair,” Cody expressed. The tragic passing of his brother has led Cody to question the randomness of life, wondering why some people, like Paul, are taken too soon, while others live on.
Cody’s emotional reflections reveal how the loss of Paul continues to impact his life in profound ways, from feeling haunted by the milestones his brother should have reached to grappling with the unfairness of life.
Remembering Paul Walker: A Legacy of Love and Giving
Paul Walker’s legacy lives on not only through his unforgettable roles in film but also through his philanthropy and love for adventure. A passionate environmentalist, Paul dedicated much of his time to the charity Reach Out Worldwide, which provided aid to communities affected by natural disasters. His love for the ocean, his friends, and his family became integral parts of his identity.
Since his passing, Cody has worked to preserve his brother’s legacy. In recent years, he has been involved in various charitable efforts and occasionally appears at events related to Fast & Furious, where he honors his brother’s memory and contributions to the franchise. While nothing can replace the void left by Paul’s untimely passing, Cody continues to live out the values and causes that were important to his brother.
Cody Walker’s Continued Journey After Paul’s Death
Though Paul’s death left a gap in his family, Cody Walker has continued to forge his own path in the years since the tragedy. In addition to his charitable work, Cody has spoken at events and worked to ensure that Paul’s legacy of kindness, humility, and generosity lives on.
While the grief remains, Cody finds solace in keeping his brother’s memory alive. His rare interview reflects a deep love for Paul and an ongoing struggle with the unfairness of his loss. “It’s not something you get over. You just have to carry on,” Cody said. These words echo the long and difficult journey that comes with the passing of someone you love—especially when that someone is an icon like Paul.
Conclusion: An Unshakable Bond
As Cody Walker continues to navigate life without his brother, the bond between them remains unshakable. Despite the overwhelming grief that continues to shape his life, Cody’s reflections show the depth of his love for Paul. His rare interview serves as a reminder of the tragic loss that was felt by millions of fans around the world when Paul Walker passed away.
Through his efforts to honor Paul’s memory, Cody Walker ensures that the spirit of his late brother will never fade, and that the lessons learned from Paul’s life of giving, adventure, and humility continue to inspire.
The Final Goodbye: A Lasting Legacy
As fans and family continue to mourn the loss of Paul Walker, his impact on the world remains. Cody’s interview serves as a poignant reminder that while time may pass, the memories and love we hold for those we’ve lost never truly fade away. Paul Walker, who left this world far too soon, will always be remembered for the joy he brought to those around him and the difference he made in the world.
