Actor Anton Yelchin, 27, who played Chekov in recent “Star Trek” reboots, “Odd Thomas” , “Charlie Bartlett” and “Alpha Dogs “ was killed in what police are calling a freak accident.
His publicists, Jennifer Allen, released a statement earlier today:
“Actor Anton Yelchin was killed in a fatal traffic collision early this morning. His family requests you respect their privacy at this time.”
Yelchin apparently was enroute from his Studio City home for a rehearsal with his friends at about 1:10 a.m. Sunday, according to Jennifer Houser with the Los Angeles Police Department,
Yelchin stepped out of his car in the driveway of his San Fernando Valley Home home at around 1:10 a.m. PT when the car slid backwards and pinned him against a brick pillar and a security fence, causing trauma that led to his death. The car was in neutral and still running when he was found.
Yelchin’s friend discovered his body when they became went to his home, concerned about his not showing for rehearsal.
Yelchins car was a Jeep Grand Cherokee, and there has been some speculation if his vehicle model was part of the April 2016 recall by Fiat Chrysler which was put into effect because of a rollaway risk after drivers were injured when they mistakenly thought they had shifted their car to park. It’s unclear whether Yelchin’s car was a model affected by the recall.
Tributes to Yelchin came flooding in after hearing of his untimely death.
— Bad Robot (@bad_robot) June 19, 2016
Devastated to hear about the brilliant Anton Yelchin. He was thoughtful, kind, and gifted. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) June 19, 2016
I had dinner with Anton Yelchin 2 nights ago we talked about shooting together and making movies he is a great guy very sad to see him go.
— Tyler Shields (@tylershields) June 19, 2016
RIP Anton Yelchin (3.11.89 – 6.19.2016) pic.twitter.com/bJQ98GtdIF
— Ms. Marya E. Gates (@oldfilmsflicker) June 19, 2016
I can't believe it , I m fckn hurting bad !
— Karl Urban (@KarlUrban) June 19, 2016
I loved Anton Yelchin so much. He was a true artist – curious, beautiful, courageous. He was a great pal and a great son. I'm in ruins.
— John Cho (@JohnTheCho) June 19, 2016
our dear friend. our comrade. our anton. one of the most open and intellectually curious people… https://t.co/zgTxXmyrbD
— Zachary Quinto (@ZacharyQuinto) June 19, 2016
So much pain & loss everywhere we look. May God hold #AntonYelchin & his family. Too soon. A reminder for us all to live with purpose & love
— justin baldoni (@justinbaldoni) June 19, 2016
So sad to hear this news… pic.twitter.com/fyQajch5kN
— Michael Giacchino (@m_giacchino) June 19, 2016
Saddened by the tragic loss of a talented, well-loved young actor. Peace to Anton and comfort to his loved ones.
— Robert Picardo (@RobertPicardo) June 19, 2016
OMG… Nooooo! RT @TrekMovie: Breaking News: Anton Yelchin dead at age 27 – https://t.co/bICL4CawJK pic.twitter.com/8ZosMVPeKZ
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) June 19, 2016
Anton was a sweetheart. Absolutely a great creative partner and artist.
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) June 19, 2016
This is unreal. Anton Yelchin is such a talent. Such a huge loss.
— Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) June 19, 2016
Terrible news about Anton Yelchin, crazily talented actor gone too soon.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) June 19, 2016
Anton Yelchin was one of my best friends. Can't say anything that conveys what this feels like
— Kat Dennings (@OfficialKat) June 19, 2016
#GoneTooSoon
