Star Trek’s Anton Yelchin Has Died At The Age Of 27
The ‘Star Trek’ actor reportedly lost his life after he was trapped by his own car in a freak accident in Los Angeles in the early hours of Sunday (19.06.16) morning.
According to TMZ, Anton’s friend had grown worried when the actor failed to show up to a meeting, so he went to his house in San Fernando Valley and found him “pinned between his car and a brick mailbox, which was attached to a security gate.”
The engine was still running and the car was in neutral.
A spokesperson for the actor has confirmed his sad passing, but did not verify his cause of death.
They said only: “Actor Anton Yelchin was killed in a fatal traffic collision early this morning. His family requests you respect their privacy at this time.”
Police are currently investigating his death but don’t suspect foul play. Russian-born Anton was best known for playing Chekov in the newer ‘Star Trek’ movies and also previously appeared in ‘Alpha Dog’ and teen comedy ‘Charlie Bartlett’.
His ‘Star Trek’ co-star John Cho has paid tribute to him on Twitter. He wrote: “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.”
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
Please send your love to Anton's family right now. They need it.
— John Cho (@JohnTheCho) June 19, 2016
Filmmaker Kevin Smith described the news as “so damn sad”. He said: “Anton Yelchin just died in a car wreck. So damn sad. I met him and his Mom on a plane once. They were very sweet.”
Anton Yelchin just died in a car wreck. So damn sad. I met him and his Mom on a plane once. They were very sweet. https://t.co/OtkoO4HisG
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) June 19, 2016
‘Glee’ star Kevin McHale was devastated by the tragedy. He posted: “Anton Yelchin has always been one of my favorite actors. I’ve seen every movie. This is awful. Im so sorry
for his family & friends.(sic)”
Anton Yelchin has always been one of my favorite actors. I've seen every movie. This is awful. Im so sorry for his family & friends.
— Kevin McHale (@druidDUDE) June 19, 2016
We gotta talk more about the people we love while they're still with us, y'all. ????????
— Alex Naser-Hall (@anaserhall) June 19, 2016
TheVine will bring you more details as they come to hand.