Porsche Says Paul Walker’s Death Was His Own Fault

Paul Walker’s death two years ago in a car wreck has had repercussions that reverberated through the entertainment world.

Furious 7, released after his death, served as a tribute to the film star. And last week, German car maker Porsche attempted to have a wrongful death lawsuit dismissed, on grounds that the accident was solely the fault of the driver.

Walker was a passenger in a 2005 Carrera GT when it crashed Nov. 30, 2013. The suit, brought by his daughter Meadow Walker, says that the car lacked “features that could have prevented the crash, or at the very least, allowed Paul Walker to survive the crash.”

Last week’s filing by Porsche Cars of North America stated “Mr. Walker’s death, and all other injuries or damage claimed, were the result of Mr. Walker’s comparative fault.” In choosing to ride in the car, the filing claimed, “Mr. Walker knowingly and voluntarily assumed all risk, perils, and danger.”

A representative for Meadow slammed the filing in a statement.

“It is beyond regrettable that Porsche is deflecting its own responsibility by blaming the victim — Paul Walker — for his own death by getting into the passenger seat of its Carrera GT. Contrary to Porsche’s assertions, the facts are clear: Paul was the passenger in a car that was not designed to protect its inhabitants, in a crash on a dry, empty straightaway in broad daylight and at speeds well below the vehicle’s advertised capabilities.”

Paul Walker’s death forced Furious 7 to use his brothers, Caleb and Cody Walker, to finish his scenes. The film was a huge success earlier this year, grossing over $1.5 billion.