Paul Walker secretly bought Iraq war veteran $9,000 engagement ring for his new wife after overhearing the couple say it was too expensive

  • The actor was in a Santa Barbara jewellery store in 2004 when he carried out the random act of generosity
  • A store employee revealed the story after Walker's tragic death in a fiery car crash on Saturday at the age of 40

By Louise Boyle

PUBLISHED: 13:51 EST, 4 December 2013 | UPDATED: 20:07 EST, 4 December 2013


A military couple whose engagement ring was secretly bought by actor Paul Walker came forward today after finally having their suspicions confirmed that the star was behind the act of amazing generosity.

Soldier Kyle Upham and his new wife Kristen were in a Santa Barbara jewellery store in 2004 looking for a diamond ring shortly before he was sent on his second deployment back to Iraq.

The couple quickly realized that the other shopper in the store was Fast And The Furious star Walker and struck up a conversation. Kyle revealed to the actor that he had just come back from a tour of duty in Iraq.

Scroll down for video

Kristen Upham, pictured with her husband Kyle, said that Paul Walker's generous purchase of her $10,000 engagement ring is the kindest thing that anyone has ever done for her

Kristen Upham, pictured with her husband Kyle, said that Paul Walker's generous purchase of her $10,000 engagement ring is the kindest thing that anyone has ever done for her

Paul Walker's secret act of generosity - buying a $10,000 engagement ring for an Iraq war veteran and his fiancée - was revealed by the jewellery store following the star's tragic death

Paul Walker's secret act of generosity - buying a $9,000 engagement ring for an Iraq war veteran and his new wife - was revealed by the jewellery store following the star's tragic death

Kristen Upham told CBS today: 'When he found out Kyle just came back from Iraq - I remember seeing the look in his face. He kind of transformed.'

The couple, from Victorville, ultimately left the store without a ring - after they decided they could not afford the $9,000 diamond band that Mrs Upham had set her heart on.

A short time later, a sales assistant called the couple and told them to return to the store - where they were presented with the ring. 

Walker had sought out the manager of the store and told him to put the ring 'on his tab'.

When they astounded couple asked who bought it for them, the clerks refused to say - at Walker's request.

The Uphams kept the gift receipt and often suspected it had been the star but could never be certain.

The store, which has since closed its Santa Barbara outlet, kept Walker's secret but after the 40-year-old's tragic death in a car crash on Saturday, employee Irene King felt the world should know the actor's true character.

Mrs Upham said Walker's gesture remains the kindness thing anyone had ever done for her.

She added: 'His real life speaks volumes of his character. He really did put his money where his mouth is and did good for this world.'

 
Kyle Upham served two tours of duty in Iraq. He married wife Kristen in 2004
Kyle Upham served two tours of duty in Iraq. He married wife Kristen in 2004

Kyle Upham, from Victorville, California, served two tours of duty in Iraq. He married wife Kristen in 2004

The actor overheard the couple saying that they couldn't afford the ring, so he anonymously purchased it for them instead

The actor overheard the couple saying that they couldn't afford the ring, so he anonymously purchased it for them instead

Walker was browsing a jewellery story at the Paseo Nuevo mall in Santa Barbara when he anonymously paid for a soldier's engagement ring for his fiancée

Walker was browsing a jewellery story at the Paseo Nuevo mall in Santa Barbara when he anonymously paid for a soldier's engagement ring for his fiancée

Jewellery store clerk Irene King revealed the story of Paul Walker's generosity after the actor's death as she wants the world to know his true character

Jewellery store clerk Irene King revealed the story of Paul Walker's generosity after the actor's death as she wants the world to know his true character

The Fast And The Furious star has been mourned by family, friends, co-stars and fans who laid a shrine to the star at the spot where he died in Santa Clarita on Saturday afternoon.

The 2005 Porsche Carrera GT was being driven by the Hollywood star's friend and business partner Roger Rodas when it crashed in Los Angeles, killing both of them.

On Monday, Walker's Fast & Furious co-star Vin Diesel joined crowds who'd gathered to pay their respects.

 

More...

Speaking through a police car loudspeaker, he said: 'If my brother were here right now and saw all the love that you're bringing here. If he could see for himself that all of you have showed up to show my brother love at this hard time. That his family gets to see all of you show the love that you've shown Paul. It's going to stay with me forever.

'I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for coming down here and showing that angel up in heaven how much you appreciate him. It's going to stay with me for ever.'

The memorial site of the fatal car crash of Paul Walker and Roger Rodas in California where fans left heartbroken tributes to the star

The memorial site of the fatal car crash of Paul Walker and Roger Rodas in California where fans left heartbroken tributes to the star

Comments (334)

Share what you think

 View all

The comments below have not been moderated.

This really made me cry .

0
17
 Click to rate

Dear Mr Grim Reaper, Can we trade you Paul Walker for Justin Bieber and Piers Morgan please? Sincerely, Puny Mortals of Earth

2
56
 Click to rate

I think the deal with Paul Walker is all the good stories are coming out now because he wasn't in search of all the publicity during his career. There are some people in the world that do good deeds because they want to and don't need the recognition and he seems to fall into that category. People remember you for your actions.

0
67
 Click to rate

My word, Paul was handsome.

0
45
 Click to rate

I never paid much attention to Paul Walker until his death and sadly in death it is his wonderful sprit of life that we are introduce to now that he is gone....may his family find peace and comfort that he is loved and remembered by so many around the world.

0
56
 Click to rate

Indeed - he's not someone I really knew much about, but I've been really moved to read about what a kind, genuine man he was.

0
42
 Click to rate

Indeed - he's not someone I knew much about until the past few days, but I have been moved to read of his kindness and generosity. An example to us all.

0
21
 Click to rate

I always had higher respect for those who have a normal background & made their money with their own hands. Not given by the daddy....They are mostly more intelligent, correct, friendly & down to earth....Treat others with respect.....It seems that Paul Walker was a similar example when you consider this & his charity. Rest in peace, sad days.

2
48
 Click to rate

The more I hear about him the more I think he was an incredible human. He put his fame to good use and seems like he helped lot if people along the way. RIP Paul.

1
55
 Click to rate

My friend rang me and said "A famous person has been killed. You know the one I mean.........blonde hair, he drives a fast car" My heart lifted as I thought she meant Justin Bieber. It then sank all the way down to the pit of my stomach when she said Paul Walker. He was taken too early.

11
46
 Click to rate

???

4
1
 Click to rate

What a nice guy. So sad

1
41
 Click to rate

So they were browsing in a shop and left their phone number when they decided not to buy anything?

51
15
 Click to rate

The couple told Mr Walker their names. Mr Walker told the salesclerk. The salesclerk looked the couple up in the phone book. Not rocket science.

1
16
 Click to rate

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Add your comment

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now