Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin has died in a car accident during the early hours of Sunday morning. According to TMZ, friends of his were waiting for the 27-year-old Russian-born actor to arrive early to a rehearsal but they noticed he was already late when they visited his home in San Francisco Valley at about 1 AM.
The Los Angeles Police Department released the following statement:
“A fatal traffic collision happened in Studio City. On Sunday, June 19 at 1:10 in the morning, a fatal traffic collision occurred. It was the result of the victim’s own car rolling backwards down his steep driveway, pinning him against a brick mailbox pillar and security fence. The victim was on his way to meet his friends for rehearsal. And when he didn’t show up, his friends went to his house, where they found him deceased by his car. It appeared he had momentarily exited his car leaving it in the driveway.”
Many of Yelchin’s friends and others shared their feelings via Twitter expressing their feelings earlier today:
We're saddened to report the passing of Anton Yelchin, best known as Chekov @StarTrekMovie https://t.co/dgpY0gSuem pic.twitter.com/EXMCAJsKgx
— Star Trek (@StarTrek) June 19, 2016
So sad to hear this news… pic.twitter.com/fyQajch5kN
— Michael Giacchino (@m_giacchino) 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
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
— Bad Robot (@bad_robot) 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
During his career, he played the role of Chekov in the recent reboot of the sci-fi franchise, as well as other roles in Alpha Dogs, Like Crazy and other films.
[Sources]: TMZ: ‘Star Trek’ Star Anton Yelchin Dead After Freak Accident; Deadline.com: Anton Yelchin: LAPD Confirms Details About The Actor’s Tragic Death.