The untimely passing of Paul Walker at age 40 in a car crash this past weekend sent the world reeling. The low-key actor kept his private life private, and now his longtime girlfriend Jasmine Pilchard-Gosnell, 23, has been thrust into the spotlight in the worst possible way. Here’s what we know about the heartbroken beauty.

1) She’s young. Very young. When Walker was 33, he met Pilchard-Gosnell … who was 16 at the time. But like Aaliyah and R. Kelly, Pilchard-Gosnell and Walker thought age ain’t nothin’ but a number—and he said his longtime love was the one.

2) Pilchard-Gosnell is a smart girl. While she could have ridden Walker’s coattails for fame and quick cash after sparking a romance with him when she was just 16, Pilchard-Gosnell instead opted to enroll in college in her hometown of Santa Barbara, maintaining her own independence and interests.

3) She’s close with Walker’s daughter, Meadow. Pilchard-Gosnell reportedly took on a stepmother role to Walker’s little girl, even though they only had an eight year age difference between them—and she reportedly broke the news of Walker’s death to the teen. Walker’s close friend, Jim Torp, said Pilchard-Gosnell collapsed upon hearing the news, but pulled herself together to help Meadow. “I believe she is the one who told Meadow about what happened, and when she found out she was hysterical and crying,” Torp said. “It was just so sad. I tried to do everything I could to help them. Paul’s girlfriend then took Meadow and drove her home. I don’t know if they drove to crash site. I just know they were in so much anguish.”

4) She was just Walker’s type. Pilchard-Gosnell was hardly ever spotted with makeup on, which is the kind of girl Walker says he loves. The actor once said, “I like low maintenance, natural, outdoor, shy girls.” Considering their frequent trips to the beach and hikes, Walker and Pilchard-Gosnell were a perfect match!

5) She’s relying on family to get her past Walker’s passing. “Paul was a really good guy and Jasmine is broken up by this,” Pilchard-Gosnell’s uncle revealed. “I went to Thanksgiving with him, played golf with him. They had their ups and downs but they were together and looking to spend a bright future together … This is horrible news and unexpected. Her mother is with her and she is comforting her.”

Our thoughts remain with Pilchard-Gosnell and Walker’s loved ones during this tragic, unimaginably difficult time. Click here to donate to Paul Walker’s charity, Reach Out Worldwide.

Source: http://www.yourtango.com/2013200755/love-dating-paul-walker-girlfriend-jasmine-pilchard