Execs at “Wheel of Fortune” are scrambling to explain why a puzzle with the answer “The Fast and The Furious” aired on about 200 local stations on Monday night.
In messages sent out on Twitter, the show called the incident an “unfortunate coincidence,” explaining that the show had been taped weeks prior, before star Paul Walker died in a fiery car crash.
“The hearts of everyone at Wheel of Fortune go out to the family, friends & fans of Paul Walker,” read one message from the verified “Wheel of Fortune” Twitter account.
Host Pat Sajack felt the need to chime in as well to explain the puzzle, which turned up just days after Walker was killed in California.
“Feel terrible about timing of "Fast & Furious" puzzle tonight. Taped long ago & went out to 200 local stations days ago,” the veteran TV host wrote to his followers.
Walker, 40, was a passenger in a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT being driven by fellow fast-car enthusiast Roger Rodas when it crashed into a light pole and a tree before bursting into flames. Both men were killed in the crash.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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