Jackass star Ryan Dunn killed in car crash

Police say Ryan Dunn died when the sports car he was driving came off the road in Philadelphia and burst into flames.

An unidentified passenger also died in the crash that happened early on Monday morning.

The daredevil personality, 34, was part of the crew in the Jackass movie franchise that specialised in risky pranks and stunts.

A police statement said a "preliminary investigation revealed that speed may have been a contributing factor to the accident".

The Ohio-born Dunn posted a photo on Twitter shortly before the crash which seemed to show him drinking with friends - it has since been removed.

My heart goes out to his family and his beloved Angie. RIP Ryan , I love you buddy. Johnny Knoxville

On his Twitter account Dunn described himself as a "TV personality, movie star, automotive enthusiast".

In 2005, Dunn was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and entered a first offender's program that allowed him to clear his record after a certain period of good behaviour, said Patrick Carmody, Assistant District Attorney in Chester County.

Dunn's Jackass co-star and friend Johnny Knoxville tweeted: "Today I lost my brother Ryan Dunn.

"My heart goes out to his family and his beloved Angie. RIP Ryan , I love you buddy."

Besides the Jackass movie franchise that has taken more than $330m worldwide, according to tracking website Box Office Mojo, Dunn also starred in Haggard: The Movie, an indie comedy in which the tattooed, bearded, daredevil played himself.

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