I know the reason I got into cars and started learning about engines was because The Fast and Furious sparked my interest, and other wise probably never would of happened. I didn't grow up with dirt bikes, atvs, or into a car family at all, in fact the farthest from it. As cheesy as some of the movies were I think they are responsible for a whole generation of car enthusiast. From what I have heard Paul was always a stand up guy, a great father, and huge enthusiast for all kinds of cars, having European, American, and Japanese makes, a true car enthusiast. I hope it was the impact and not the fire I couldn't imagine a worse way than that. He is one of the people responsible for me getting into cars, which is one of the greatest joys of my life currently.
Here is a quote from him that is now very sad and fitting:
"If one day the speed kills me, do not cry because I was smiling" - Paul Walker
My thoughts go out to his family, his friends and all his fans. Well I personally do not believe in an afterlife, if there is I hope he's up there with a garage of all his favorite cars, open roads, and looking down at his loved ones.