Paul Walker’s Brother Says Star ‘Loved Being a Father’ to Meadow, 25: ‘He Would Be So Proud’ (Exclusive)

Cody Walker says his late brother, Paul Walker, would have been “so proud” of the woman his daughter, Meadow Walker, has become.

Cody tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue that Meadow — who founded and serves as president of the Paul Walker Foundation, which honors the actor’s “love of the ocean” — “took the torch” from Paul, who died in a car accident nearly 10 years ago.

Asked what he wishes he could tell his brother about Meadow today, Cody says, “I wish he knew she just grew into such a beautiful young lady.”

Today, 25-year-old Meadow is a professional model who recently walked in Vivienne Westwood and Rokha fashion shows. “She’s pursuing a career that’s extremely difficult, but she’s finding her own path and achieving success, and he would be so proud of her,” Cody says.

Vin Diesel pays tribute to Paul Walker on late actor’s 50th birthday: ‘Brothers for Eternity’

In addition to raising awareness of environmental issues, the Paul Walker Foundation offers grants and scholarships to students and researchers who study marine science and advance the field as a whole. Meadow announced the organization in September 2015 to celebrate her father’s 42nd birthday.

Cody Walker 2021

AFF-USA/Shutterstock

For more on Cody and Meadow Walker, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday.

Cody says Paul put a serious emphasis on fatherhood – but notes the star was aware he had to “juggle” his acting career with the responsibilities of raising his daughter.

“What I learned from Paul is how fast these little things grow,” says Cody, who named his third child this year Paul Barrett Walker after his late brother. “Paul was troubled by the fact that his daughter was growing up so fast. He was so busy with his career and trying to juggle it all.”

Meadow was just one when Paul first appeared on screen in his best-known role as Brian O’Conner in Fast and furious. Cody notes that Paul “acknowledged the fact that with his career and everything going on, he was robbed of all that precious time” with Meadow, adding “It really, really ate at him.”

Paul Walker’s daughter Meadow pays tribute on late actor’s 50th birthday: ‘My Guardian Angel’

He added of Paul: “He loved being a father.”

Cody (left) and Paul Walker in 2003.

Frederick M. Brown/Getty

Paul was a passenger in a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT driven by his friend Roger W. Rodas on November 30, 2013 when Rodas lost control of the vehicle. The Porsche spun out, crashed and burst into flames. The beloved actor died at the age of 40 as a result of injuries sustained in the accident.

At the time of Paul’s death, Meadow was only 15 years old. A decade later, she became a bright example of environmental care.

“He was so proud of her,” Cody says.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education