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'Speed And Speed Alone' Killed Paul Walker, Investigator Says [UPDATED]
Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images
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Speed was the only factor in the crash that killed Paul Walker, according to a law enforcement source.The source, who requested anonymity, told the Associated Press that investigators have ruled out mechanical problems and roadway debris and that "speed and speed alone" was the main reason the Porsche Carrera GT crashed. Walker and his friend Roger Rodas were killed when the sports car lost control and crashed into a tree during a charity event in Valencia on Nov. 30.
This claim would ultimately put to rest multiple theories of how the car wrecked that have been permeating the news cycle ever since the fatal accident. TMZ has already jumped on the report and called it "bogus," claiming that the investigation is ongoing.
Porsche engineers are set to arrive from Germany to examine pieces of the wreckage to determine exactly how fast Walker and Rodas were driving before the crash, the AP reports.
UPDATE 12/19: Sounds like TMZ was right. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department just sent out a release letting everyone know that the investigation into the crash that killed Paul Walker is far from done:
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No conclusions have yet been reached as to the cause of the collision. Traffic investigators with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are scheduled to meet in January with engineers from Porsche to analyze the data retrieval system (computer) in the car. Information that might possibly be obtained from the computer is speed, RPM’s, throttle opening, air bag deployment, seat belt use, and other possible information. None of these factors has yet been concluded. A fatal traffic collision is a tragedy that involves extensive investigation by Los Angeles County Sheriff's traffic investigators.
In all fatal traffic collisions, sheriff's patrol deputies request specialized sheriff's traffic investigators to respond to the scene as soon as the collision occurs.
Investigators document the scene extensively which includes writing a traffic report, photographing the scene, determining the collision's Area of Impact and Area of Rest, measuring skid marks and location of debris, gathering physical evidence such as debris and the on-board car computer data that might indicate the rate of speed, and examining the car itself to look for evidence such as paint transfer to help determine if it had impacted other objects or cars.
Investigators seek out eyewitnesses to what happened just prior to the collision as well as to the collision itself. Security videos and photos from eyewitnesses as well as local businesses are sought out. All of these factors help skilled traffic investigators to determine the cause of the collision.
Video Captures Paul Walker Crash And Its Explosive Aftermath
Porsche In The Paul Walker Crash Has A Dangerous, Unforgiving Reputation
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