As friends and family mourn the tragic loss of actor Paul Walker, stories are beginning to emerge that reveal what kind person he really was.
Actor Paul Walker Bought Iraq Vet and His Fiancee Engagement Ring
In this April 29, 2011 file photo, actor Paul Walker poses during the photo call of the movie “Fast and Furious 5,” in Rome. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)
This is just one of those stories.
Several years ago, Walker walked into Bailey Banks and Biddle Jewelers in Santa Barbara, Calif., to browse for some high-end jewelry, according to sales associate Irene King. Also in the store were a military veteran who had just finished his first tour of duty in Iraq and his fiancee. They were reportedly looking for an engagement ring.
“There’s Paul Walker,” King recalled another sales associate telling her.
“I said, ‘Yeah, he’s a nice-looking man,’” King told CBS Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, the Iraq veteran and his fiancee had finally found a ring set they really liked, but it far too expensive at $10,000.
“Honey, I can’t afford that,” the veteran reportedly told his fiancee.
Walker then reportedly called over the store manager and told him to put the expensive ring on his “tab.” However, he asked that his identity be kept a secret. While many actors would have made sure the act of charity was on the front page of every tabloid, that was clearly not Walker’s motive.
“To do something like that to a perfect stranger is just unbelievable,” King said.
King posted the story on Walker’s Facebook page, where thousands of people have remembered the 40-year-old star as “generous,” “loving” and with a “heart of gold,” Yahoo! reports.
Walker died in fiery car crash in north of Los Angeles on Sunday following a charity event for his organization Reach Out Worldwide.
The Santa Clarita Valley Signal reported that the Porsche crashed into a light pole and tree and burst into flames. The fundraiser, to benefit victims of Typhoon Haiyan, took place at a nearby racecar shop.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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