Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Paul Walker's brother Cody pays tribute to actor on the first anniversary of his tragic death

Cody Walker spoke about the actor's charitable work with Reach Out Worldwide and his brother's affect on his own life

Rose Troup Buchanan
Friday 28 November 2014 12:21 GMT
Comments
Cody and Paul Walker pictured in 2003.
Cody and Paul Walker pictured in 2003.

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

The brother of American actor Paul Walker has reflected on the actor’s life and work as the first anniversary of his death approaches.

Proud sibling Cody Walker told E! about how he is continuing to keep his brother’s memory alive through working with the actor’s charity Reach Out Worldwide (ROWW), which provides relief in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Only 40-years-old at the time of his accident, Paul and friend Roger Rodas died on 30 November in California. Following his untimely death, tributes from friends, fans and celebrities flooded in celebrating the actor’s life and work.

Thousands turned out to pay their respects to the late Fast & Furious star Paul Walker
Thousands turned out to pay their respects to the late Fast & Furious star Paul Walker (Getty)

Earlier this week, Cody summed up his brother’s attitude to life: "Just live your life to the fullest. Laugh a lot, love and find your true happiness".

"Remember that no matter how cool you think you may be, you're not cool enough to look down on anyone…ever," he added.

The actor’s family has promised to carry on his work, specifically with the charity ROWW, which was set up following the Haiti disaster in 2010. Paul volunteered and afterwards identified a gap between highly skilled personnel and their availability, setting up an organisation with Rodas shortly after returning.

"ROWW continues to be, to function, to help others even after our primary contributor, my brother, Paul Walker has passed," Cody said.

"I know he would be so stoked to know that. ROWW changed his life, and he was so proud of it."

Continuing his work, the organisation has overseen a toy drive for the American holiday season, provided thousands of children with back to school equipment and provided relief for the victims of the tornado in Arkansas.

Paul’s brother Cody also travelled to the Philippines to head a team helping with disaster relief following Typhoon Haiyan.

Vin Diesel and Jordana Brewster led a special dedication to the late Fast & Furious star at the MTV Movie Awards
Vin Diesel and Jordana Brewster led a special dedication to the late Fast & Furious star at the MTV Movie Awards

"These missions are truly life changing for all involved," Cody said. "I'm so proud to be a part of this."

"This year has been very challenging but also extremely rewarding. ROWW would like to thank all of our supporters who have gotten us through this very difficult year," Cody added. "Thanks to you, Paul's legacy lives on through ROWW."

Cody finished by saying: "I am so lucky to have had him as a big brother."

Paul Walker fans can see him in his final instalment of the Fast and the Furious, the blockbuster that launched him to international attention, on 3 June next year.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in