SHOCKING NEWS: Vin Diesel recently shared about caring for his late daughter Paul Walker over the years. He couldn’t hold back his tears as he mentioned having a…
Paul Walker and his daughter Meadow | Vin Diesel and Meadow Walker | Source: instagram.com/meadowwalker
The daughter of “Fast and Furious” star Paul Walker was 15 when her father tragically died at the age of 40.
Meadow Walker cut all ties with her late father’s family, but found protection and support in her godfather, Vin Diesel.
A decade after Walker’s death, Diesel, 55, speaks emotionally about his late goddaughter and friend.
In the late 90s, before Paul Walker rose to fame in “The Fast and the Furious,” he fell head over heels for elementary school teacher Rebecca Soteros. Their love blossomed and on November 4, 1998, Meadow Rain Walker came into their lives. Paul’s parents said that no parent loved their child as much as their child did. The doting father chose fellow star Dominic Toretto in the “Fast and the Furious” franchise, Vin Diesel, to be Meadow’s godfather, cementing their bond forever.
Vin Diesel and Paul Walker in a scene from “The Fast and the Furious,” 2001 | Source: Getty Images
Life took an unexpected turn for the couple when they split up, and Rebecca and Meadow found solace in the tropical paradise of Hawaii. “My heart was in despair for so many years because of the situation with my daughter,” Paul admitted about the challenges of maintaining a long-distance relationship with Meadow.
However, at the age of 14, Meadow made the decision to leave her mother’s house and move to her father’s house near the ocean, which brought immense joy to her life. Meadow revealed that her father raised her as a “tomboy.” Their life was “crazy.” They often rolled around in the mud and played soccer.
Sadly, Meadow and her father’s good times came to an abrupt end just days after Meadow’s 15th birthday. On November 30, 2013, Paul was riding in the passenger seat with his friends on the way to an event for his charity “Reach Out Worldwide.” The car hit a tree at high speed, causing a tragic accident that caused the vehicle to catch fire. Paul Walker, 40, sadly lost his life.
Before he died, Paul wrote a will stipulating that upon his passing, all of his wealth would be inherited by his only daughter. She also acknowledged that Meadow should be in the custody of her mother, Cheryl Ann Walker, and not the child’s mother, Rebecca Soteros. Following the actor’s passing, a custody battle broke out between the two women, resulting in Meadow being raised by her mother.
However, following the custody battle, it was reported that Meadow allegedly cut all ties with her late father’s family once she turned 18. The family, who are “heartbroken,” hold no ill will toward her, understanding that she has endured numerous hardships over the years. They are patiently hoping that their strained relationships will heal over time.
Thankfully, Meadow was immediately taken under Vin Diesel’s protective wing. To cope with the loss of her father, Meadow found solace in being a frequent guest at her godfather’s home, along with his long-time partner, Paloma Jimenez, and their three children.
In June 2020, Meadow shared a touching photograph that captured the essence of their unbreakable bond. She radiated joy as she stood alongside Vin’s children, highlighting the true meaning of “family, forever.” In May 2021, Meadow shared another photograph that captured a precious moment as she embraced her godfather and eldest daughter amidst a crowd on the street.
In addition to Diesel being a sort of father figure to his beloved goddaughter for years, he openly admitted that she has also been worried about him. “She takes really good care of me… I feel very protective,” Diesel confessed.
When she was the first to wish him a Father’s Day greeting, his heart filled with gratitude and love. Watching Meadow play and grow alongside his own children fills him with immeasurable joy and he can’t help but imagine the pride his “brother” Paul Walker would feel from above.
On Meadow’s 21st birthday, Vin Diesel wrote some touching words to his goddaughter, expressing his overwhelming pride in the extraordinary person she had become. While she celebrated in Japan, he looked forward to her return, where a birthday cake from the entire family awaited her.
Vin Diesel at the premiere of “The Lion King” on July 14, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
The pinnacle of his emotional journey was arguably on October 22, 2021, when Meadow Walker, now Meadow Thornton-Allan, exchanged vows with her longtime boyfriend, Louis Thornton-Allan. In a wedding video that touched hearts around the world, Vin Diesel took on the role that Paul Walker would have adored: walking Meadow down the aisle. The bride’s beaming eyes shone with genuine happiness and the proud best man couldn’t take his eyes off the young bride.
Admittedly, there were plenty of emotional moments shared between Diesel and Walker’s daughter. However, the 55-year-old actor normally values his privacy and doesn’t often speak about his goddaughter. However, there was one touching exception recently when Diesel opened up emotionally.
In a remarkable tribute to her legendary father, Meadow, 24, announced her involvement in the highly-anticipated 10th and final film in the famed “Fast and Furious” franchise, aptly titled “Fast and Furious X.” The news left fans in awe as Meadow expressed her overwhelming excitement and gratitude on Instagram, sharing her disbelief at the incredible opportunity to be a part of her father’s iconic legacy. Having grown up amid the thrilling sets of “The Fast and the Furious,” he considers it a profound blessing to have the opportunity to honor his father in such a remarkable way.
Vin Diesel and Meadow Walker at the “Fast X” Premiere at the Colosseum in Rome on May 12, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
On May 13, 2023, Meadow made a dazzling appearance in Rome for the tenth installment of the “Fast and Furious” franchise. At her side was none other than her devoted godfather, Vin Diesel, giving her unwavering support and beaming with pride. The accomplished actor captured an emotional moment with Walker’s daughter and boasted that it was a dream come true to be there with her. Touched by his words, Meadow reciprocated the love, leaving no doubt about the bond they share.
Meadow delighted fans by sharing cherished memories of her first movie red carpet experience, where she radiated pure joy alongside her beloved godfather. The photos captured their genuine affection, with warm hugs and infectious smiles that melted viewers’ hearts. Meadow even took the time to express her love for Diesel, adding the words “I love you ❤️” to one of the snaps.
A special moment on the red carpet occurred when an interviewer brought up Diesel and asked him about Meadow and her late father. In that instant, Diesel took a moment to compose himself, his range of emotions going from smiles of joy to what looked like unshed tears. He couldn’t hide his pride in the way Meadow wholeheartedly honored her father’s legacy. With deep conviction, Diesel expressed his belief that Paul would undoubtedly be immensely proud of his extraordinary daughter.