Today Star Trek fans were devastated to hear the news that Anton Yeltsin, 27, was killed by his own car at his home in Los Angeles.
Anton was best known for playing Chekov in the Star Trek re-boot and had recently wrapped on the filming of the latest instalment of the series, Star Trek Beyond.
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
Police say Anton died on Sunday morning after his car rolled down his steep driveway at his house and pinned him against a brick postbox pillar and a security fence.
He had been on his way to meet friends for a rehearsal but when he did not arrive, the group went to his house and and found him dead.
The actor’s publicist, Jennifer Allen, confirmed the actor’s death and said his family had requested privacy during this heartbreaking time.
Fans and colleagues were quick to take to Twitter to share their sadness over the news.
Star Trek director JJ Abrams, paid tribute to Anton on Twitter calling the young actor “brilliant” and “supremely talented”.
— Bad Robot (@bad_robot) June 19, 2016
Meanwhile Star Trek Beyond director Justin Lin, said:”Still in shock. Rest in peace, Anton. Your passion and enthusiasm will live on with everyone that had the pleasure of knowing you.”
Other stars such Zachary Quinto and Tom Hiddleston as also paid their respects over social media.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BG2Q5RlLi7x/?taken-by=zacharyquinto
Anton was born in Russia but moved to the US when he was a baby. The talented young actor first appeared on our screens at just ten when he played an orphan in the TV series ER. He went on to perform on the big screen with hits such as Terminator Salvation, Like Crazy and the recent horror movie Green Room.
Absolutely devastated to hear about Anton Yelchin. He was such a gifted, natural actor & a deeply kind man. My thoughts are with his family.
— Tom Hiddleston (@twhiddleston) June 19, 2016
Anton had lots of other projects lined up for release later this year including dramas We Don’t Belong Here and Porto, and thriller Thoroughbred. Fans will also get the chance to watch Anton reprise his role of Chekov in the new Star Trek film, due for release next month.