14 DAY TRIAL // “Fast & Furious” star Paul Walker was killed in a one-vehicle crash last November and, as his will revealed in February, he had bequeathed everything he had onto his daughter with former partner Rebecca Soteros, Meadow Rain. Walker’s mother is now asking for guardianship of the minor.
Meadow Rain had moved in with the actor about 3 years ago, leaving her mother behind. It is believed that the reason she chose one parent over the other was Soteros’ raging alcoholism. Walker himself deemed it a good idea, even including in his will a note saying Meadow should live with his mother, Cheryl Walker, in case something happened to him.
Mrs. Walker is now acting on his son’s wish and has filed the papers asking for legal guardianship of her granddaughter, TMZ has learned.
“Cheryl Walker claims in her docs – obtained by TMZ – Meadow and her mom, Rebecca Soteros, are already living with her but Rebecca can't care for her daughter because of her alcoholism,” the e-zine reports.
Soteros has two DUIs in the past few years, which means that the problem is not a new one. Whether she’s done anything about it, like seek help by entering a rehabilitation program, is not known right now.
“Cheryl says she's more than qualified – she's raised 4 kids, she's a registered nurse and is a loving person,” the report further says.
Walker died in November, when the car he was driving, also carrying his good friend and business partner Roger Rodas, went off the highway and crashed into a tree, instantly bursting up in flames and killing them both.
Despite reports that Walker had been having problems with the car some weeks before the accident, it was eventually established that speeding was the main factor behind the crash, the reason why he lost control of the vehicle.
Besides an unconsoled daughter and family, and millions of fans from all over the world, Walker left behind a legacy in action movies, thanks to roles that made him one of the most bankable and popular stars of our times.
Initial reports placed his estate somewhere in the vicinity of $25 million (€18 million), but TMZ is now saying that the latest court documents more accurately place it at $16 million (€11.5 million). All this money will go to Meadow when she becomes of age and, if Mrs. Walker’s request is granted, it will be managed until then by the grandmother.