Paul Walker crash caused by unsafe speed, says sheriff

Paul Walker had a starring role in the blockbuster Fast and Furious film series

The crash that killed Paul Walker was caused by unsafe speed and not a mechanical failure, the Los Angeles County Sheriff has concluded.

The announcement comes after an investigation which has lasted nearly four months.

Police say the Porsche Carrera GT, driven by Walker's friend Roger Rodas, was travelling at 94mph in a 45mph zone when it hit a lamp post.

The crash which killed the Fast & Furious actor happened on 30 November.

The sports car burst into flames after the crash at the end of November

The investigation also found the car had two nine-year-old tyres when it crashed in Santa Clarita, about 30 miles north-west of downtown Los Angeles.

The car's manual suggests changing the tyres after four years.

The report also said the original exhaust system had been modified in a way that could allow it to go faster.

A previous coroner's report had revealed the Porsche was travelling at an "unsafe speed", while Porsche engineers who were sent to the scene in California found no problems with the car's electrical systems, brakes, throttle, fuel system, steering, suspension or other systems.

The sixth instalment of the Fast & Furious franchise topped the US box office

"The results of the investigation show that, according to all the available evidence, this crash was caused by dangerous driving at speeds much too high for the road in question," Porsche said in a written statement.

Rodas, 38, and Walker, 40, had taken what was supposed to be a quick ride on a clear afternoon.

The crash happened near a fundraising event that they had been attending and friends of the men raced to the scene.

Autopsies showed that neither man had used alcohol or drugs.

Investigators found evidence suggesting both wore seat belts and air bags deployed for both the driver and passenger, the sheriff's department said.

Walker's co-star Vin Diesel (left) said the actor's death had left him 'speechless'

Walker's Fast & Furious co-star Vin Diesel recently posted a new tribute to the star online, addressing fans of the movie franchise on a memorial page.

"Grateful to have Our page as a sanctuary, it has helped in these past few months more than you know… and God knows we will need all of you to complete this intense experience called SEVEN," he wrote.

"Though this may be one of the hardest things I have had to do in my career, I can't help but to think… that it will also be the most significant."

Filming is due to re-start soon on the seventh film in the franchise.

Production was halted after Walker's death.

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