Walker, 40, was killed when the Porsche Carrera GT he was riding in smashed into a light pole and tree and then burst into flames. The actor's friend and financial adviser, Roger Rodas, who was driving, also died. Authorities say speed was a factor in the crash.
The two had bonded over a passion for fast cars. They co-owned an auto racing team named after Rodas' custom car shop, Always Evolving, and Rodas, 38, drove professionally for the team on the Pirelli World Challenge circuit this year.
Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies planned to have a strong presence at the memorial. They encouraged attendees to obey all traffic laws, including not leaving memorial items in the roadway.
Many of the early arrivals parked in a nearby church lot, where they milled around and bundled up against chilly morning temperatures.
Among those who turned out early was Edi Maya, a gardener who worked in Walker's neighbourhood and said he chatted with the actor from time to time.
"I work next to his house every week, twice a week. Seeing those candles there, it's heartbreaking," he told KABC-TV.
Walker was in Santa Clarita for a fundraiser for his charity, Reach Out Worldwide, organised for victims of the recent Philippines typhoon. The event took place at Rodas' shop, and the two stepped away for what was supposed to be a short drive in Rodas' car.
The limited-edition Porsche was previously owned by IndyCar driver Graham Rahal, who has said it could be difficult to drive.
Walker, the star of five of the six Fast & Furious movies, was the face of the franchise. He was making the seventh film in the series when he died.
Universal Pictures has shut down production while it contemplates how it might go forward without him.
- AP
