Fast and Furious 7: We didn't know how we could go on

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Paul WalkerImage source, Reuters
Image caption,

Paul Walker died in a car crash north of Los Angeles in November 2013 at the age of 40

The cast and crew of Fast & Furious 7 have thanked fans for supporting them since the death of Paul Walker.

A Facebook, external post, published after filming had finished, reads: "We felt the love and strength from our fans throughout this journey... it's because of you we got here."

Walker, an original cast member, died in a car crash on 30 November.

The note adds: "There was a time when we didn't know how we could go on, or even if we should.

"But we listened to you, and you inspired us not only to keep going but to try and make the best Fast & Furious movie yet."

An investigation into the crash, which also killed Walker's friend Roger Rodas, revealed it was caused by unsafe speed rather than a mechanical failure.

Los Angeles County Sheriff also concluded the Porsche Carrera GT, driven by Rodas, was travelling at 94mph in a 45mph zone when it hit a lamp post.

Production on the film was stopped after Walker's death but resumed in March.

Image source, AP
Image caption,

Paul Walker died in the crash along with friend, Roger Rodas, they were reportedly on the way to a charity event

The brothers of the late actor Caleb and Cody filled in to complete "small gaps" in the latest film in the franchise.

The the original Fast & Furious film, starring Vin Diesel alongside Walker and Michelle Rodriguez, came out in 2001.

The Facebook post continues: "Our Fast family has been together for almost fifteen years now and has grown a lot in that time.

"From the start, Vin has been our leader who feels what's right for fast in his gut and in his heart.

"When we had to stop production last year, Vin gathered us back together and moved us forward when we needed it most. He led us to this day."

Image source, Reuters
Image caption,

Jordana Brewster led a tribute to Paul Walker at this year's MTV Movie Awards

Ludacris, Tyrese and Dwayne Johnson, who have all featured heavily in the series are described as "brothers" in the message.

The post closes: "Our family is big and strong but it won't ever quite be whole again without Paul.

"All of us, those who've been here from the start and those whose first Fast film is 7, wanted to create a special film for him and for you. We believe we have.

"Thank you for being there for us. You are the biggest part of our family, and we couldn't have gotten here without you."

Fast & Furious 7 is set for release on 3 April 2015.

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