Star Trek Actor Killed By Own Car

Anton Yelchin, best known for playing Chekov in the new Star Trek film, was killed at his home in Los Angeles.

16:28 21 June 2016

Anton Yelchin was struck by his own car after it rolled backwards down the steep drive, pinning him against a brick postbox pillar and a security fence. Los Angeles police officer Jenny Hosier said that Yelchin just gout of the vehicle when it rolled back. She added that Yelchin was supposed to meet friends but when he did not arrive, the group came to his home and found him dead.

 

The county coroner's office "concluded that Yelchin's death was an accident" caused by "blunt traumatic asphyxia".

 

Following his death on Sunday, his friends and co-stars quickly paid tribute on Twitter. Among them are JJ Abrams, who directed him in the first two Star Trek films. He wrote: "You were kind. You were funny as hell, and supremely talented. And you weren't here nearly long enough. Missing you," 

 

Meanwhile, Justin Lin, who directed Star Trek Beyon, said: "Still in shock. Rest in peace, Anton. Your passion and enthusiasm will live on with everyone that had the pleasure of knowing you."

Zachary Quinto, who plays Spock in the franchise, took to Instagram where he wrote: "Our dear friend. Our comrade. Our Anton.

 

"One of the most open and intellectually curious people I have ever had the pleasure to know. So enormously talented and generous of heart. Wise beyond his years. And gone before his time. All love and strength to his family at this impossible time of grief."