Tragic news today as we learn that Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin has died in a fatal traffic accident near his home.
Sunday morning, 27-year-old Anton Yelchin unexpectedly passed away. TMZ first broke the news, which was later confirmed by his publicist.
“Actor Anton Yelchin was killed in a fatal traffic collision early this morning,” reads a statement from his publicist Jennifer Allen, via Variety. “His family requests you respect their privacy at this time.”
According to TMZ, the young actor was pinned by his own car at his home in San Fernando Valley. His friends reportedly found him pinned between his car and a brick mailbox.
Initial reports claim that Yelchin’s friends worried when he didn’t show up for a rehearsal on Saturday evening, and went to his house, finding him at approximately 1 am. LAPD spokeswoman Jenny Houser later confirmed this to The Hollywood Reporter, and explained, “It appears he momentarily exited his car and it rolled backward, causing trauma that led to his death.”
Several of Anton Yelchin’s Star Trek co-stars and colleagues have taken to Twitter to express their shock and sadness:
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.
Article Continues Below— John Cho (@JohnTheCho) June 19, 2016
I can't believe it , I m fckn hurting bad !
— Karl Urban (@KarlUrban) June 19, 2016
This is unreal. Anton Yelchin is such a talent. Such a huge loss.
— Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) 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
Just heard about #AntonYelchin what a great talent and good young man. Gone far too soon… #GodBless Terrible loss. You I'll be missed.
— Chad Michael Murray (@ChadMMurray) June 19, 2016
Such sad news about Anton Yelchin. I only admired from afar, but a true artist and a real star in my eyes. Such a loss. Such a tragic loss.
— Sam Claflin (@samclaflin) June 19, 2016
J.J. Abrams also posted a heartbreaking message to Yelchin via his production company Bad Robot:
— Bad Robot (@bad_robot) June 19, 2016
Anton Yelchin was born in Russia. His parents were figure skaters, and moved with him to the U.S. when he was still a baby. He rose to fame with Alpha Dog, and other notable projects included the beautiful romantic movie Like Crazy, The Beaver, Green Room, and Terminator Salvation.
Yelchin was perhaps best known for his role as Chekov in the new Star Trek series. He will appear in the upcoming Star Trek Beyond, set for release on July 22.
We can all agree that this bright young star was lost way too soon, and can only now wish all the best to his family, who request privacy at this impossible time. Rest in peace, Anton.
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