Vin Diesel celebrated his 56th birthday! His Goddaughter, the child of his co-star and friend who passed away tragically and prematurely, made a touching tribute.

Vin Diesel recently turned 56, and his goddaughter commemorated the birthday with a special post.

When Paul Walker tragically died, Diesel took in his daughter Meadow Walker as one of his own.

Meadow was only 14 when her father died, but even now, at 22, she still has a close connection with her late father.

Vin Diesel, the star of the beloved film franchise, “Fast & Furious,” recently turned 56! One of the special people to wish him a happy birthday was his goddaughter Meadow Walker.

Meadow shared a picture on her Instastories of her and Diesel posing while hugging, with evident smiles plastered on their faces.

Meadow Walker and Vin Diesel | Source: Instagram.com/Meadow Walker

Also in the photo was a caption of the model saying she loved the actor. “Happy birthday, @vindiesel” I love you,” the model wrote on the photo, then added a red heart emoji.

Diesel and his family have given Meadow immense support since she lost her father, Paul Walker, who was also part of the “Fast & Furious” franchise.

Meadow Lost Her Father at 14
Walker died in 2013 and the age of 40. His death shocked many of his fans, friends, and family. The actor died in a tragic car accident while attending an event for the charity organization Reach Out Worldwide.

Paul Walker in California in 2006 | Source: Getty Images

His death was announced by one of his representatives. The Los Angeles Police Department went to the accident scene and found the car covered in flames. Walker was with his friend in the vehicle, and both of them lost their lives.

Besides being known as Brian O’Conner on “Fast & Furious,” he was also a father to his daughter Meadow who was only 14 when he died.

Even more heartbreaking is that Walker had just started living with his daughter. The actor gushed over how much he had longed to live with her. Meadow lived in Hawaii for most of her childhood but had officially started living with her father full-time.

Walker was proud and embraced being a full-time dad. Meadow gave him the stability and grounding he needed. She made him want to create a home and stop “living out of bags,” as he had done for 16 years.

The actor was happy to share his life with Meadow finally. Even though he appreciated the life he had created through his hard work, he always thought of his daughter. “My daughter lives with me full-time now, and she is the best partner I have ever had,” gushed the proud father.

However, after Walker passed, Diesel stepped in to give Meadow the support system she needed, and ten years later, they have maintained a close and loving relationship.

How Did Meadow Find Family in Vin Diesel’s Home?
The close brotherly relationship Diesel and Walker portrayed in the film went way beyond the screen. An exclusive source said Meadow found comfort in confiding in Diesel and his family. She reportedly called the actor whenever she was having a rough time.

Vin Diesel and Paul Walker in California in 2009 | Source: Getty Images

Besides stepping in as a father figure to Meadow, Diesel is also a dad of three. He shares his children, Pauline, Hania, and Vincent, with his long-time partner Paloma Jimenez. Although Meadow considers Diesel her family, she reportedly still has a close connection with her late father.

The “Guardians of the Galaxy” star also opened up about what it was like to see Meadow grow up and blend into his family. Diesel is always in awe when he watches her play with his children and often hopes that Walker can see their children growing together.

Diesel and the model share a very special bond: “She takes good care of me… She is the first person on Father’s Day to wish me Happy Father’s Day,” the father of three expressed.

Meadow will forever be a reminder of her father, and Diesel will do everything for Walker’s daughter’s safety. “I feel very protective. It goes beyond the movie,” he said.