Speed Alone Killed Paul Walker: Authorities

Investigators have officially confirmed what has long been suspected: Unsafe driving is solely to blame for the crash that killed Paul Walker and Roger Rodas, not a mechanical problem with the Porsche or roadway conditions. The Carrera GT was going between 80mph and 93mph when Rodas lost control and crashed in a 45mph zone, a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department spokesperson said yesterday, according to NBC Los Angeles. Neither Walker nor Rodas had alcohol or drugs in their system, the spokesperson added; both were wearing seatbelts and the airbags deployed normally.

Investigators also revealed that the car's exhaust system had been modified in a way that could allow it to hit higher speeds; its tires were nine years old—five years past the time the owner's manual suggests changing them, but CNN notes that the car was mostly displayed, not driven; and its left rear brake rotor was worn below manufacturer specifications, but that was determined not to have contributed to the accident. Investigators also noted that there was no evidence to support the theory that Rodas may have been racing another vehicle. (More Paul Walker stories.)