'Star Trek' Actor Anton Yelchin Struck, Killed By His Own Car In Driveway
LOS ANGELES (CBS SF/AP) -- Anton Yelchin, a rising actor best known for playing Chekov in the new "Star Trek" films, was killed in a car accident early Sunday, police and his publicist said.
Yelchin, 27, was struck by his own car as it rolled backward down his driveway in Studio City, according to Los Angeles police Officer Jenny Hosier. The car pinned Yelchin against a brick mailbox pillar and a security fence.
He had gotten out of the vehicle momentarily, but police did not say why he was behind it when it started rolling.
He was on his way to meet friends for a rehearsal, Hosier said. When he didn't show up, the group came to his home and found him dead.
Yelchin began his Hollywood career as a child in small roles in independent films and various television shows, before breaking out in movies such as crime thriller "Alpha Dog" and teen comedy "Charlie Bartlett." His biggest role to date has been as navigator Pavel Chekov in the rebooted "Star Trek" films -- the third of which, "Star Trek Beyond" comes out in July.
Yelchin, an only child, was born in Russia. His parents were professional figure skaters who moved the family to the United States when Yelchin was a baby.
The actor's publicist, Jennifer Allen, confirmed his death and said his family requests privacy.
Members of the 'Star Trek' Family Pay Tribute:
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
— Bad Robot (@bad_robot) June 19, 2016
Still in shock. Rest in peace, Anton. Your passion and enthusiasm will live on with everyone that had the pleasure of knowing you.
— Justin Lin (@justinlin) 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
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
I can't believe it , I m fckn hurting bad !
— Karl Urban (@KarlUrban) 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
More Celebrities Memorialized Yelchin:
Anton Yelchin was one of my best friends. Can't say anything that conveys what this feels like
— Kat Dennings (@OfficialKat) June 19, 2016
On the set of my short film from #newyorkiloveyou where #AntonYelchin played me! He is one of… https://t.co/C8DvtXeAjH
— Brett Ratner (@BrettRatner) June 19, 2016
Devastated to hear about the brilliant Anton Yelchin. He was thoughtful, kind, and gifted. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) June 19, 2016
This is unreal. Anton Yelchin is such a talent. Such a huge loss.
— Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) June 19, 2016
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
I'm so sad to hear about the sudden passing of Anton Yelchin. So tragic. May he rest in peace. My prayers are with his family.
— Lacey Chabert (@IamLaceyChabert) June 19, 2016
So sad to hear about Anton Yelchin. I was a HUGE fan. Terrible news. RIP
— Logan Lerman (@LoganLerman) June 19, 2016
Anton was ("was" fucking hell) a brilliant, shining human with a lovely soul. Rest in peace, bud.
— Jay Baruchel (@BaruchelNDG) June 19, 2016
The sweetest, most humble, delightful, talented guy you'd ever meet. Worked together for about a year. Shocked. https://t.co/uyg2NlmhqP
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) June 19, 2016
Anton Yelchin was a bright, brilliant talent, and a truly kind person. I was so taken by him, and won't ever forget his sweet smile. RIP
— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) 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
RIP Anton. He was one of the nicest, most positive and passionate people I have ever met and a truly great and fascinating actor.
— Alexandra Daddario (@AADaddario) June 19, 2016
So sad to hear about Anton Yelchin, always been one of my favorite actors... Condolences to his family and friends... RIP
— SOPHOMORE(abigail breslin) (@yoabbaabba) June 19, 2016
Terrible news about Anton Yelchin, crazily talented actor gone too soon.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) June 19, 2016
Anton Yelchin was a tremendous actor. Never met him but always loved his movies and thought he was really special. Devastating news. RIP.
— Elizabeth Gillies (@LizGillies) June 19, 2016
Very sad to hear Anton Yelchin has died. Do yourself a favor and watch "Like Crazy." I love love love that movie. And he is amazing in it.
— Chris Kelly (@imchriskelly) June 19, 2016
#RIP #AntonYelchin ????????
— Jesse Metcalfe (@jessemetcalfe) June 19, 2016
Tragic! Great actor!!!
So very sad to hear the awful news about Anton Yelchin. Such a fine actor with his whole career ahead of him. He will be remembered always.
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) June 19, 2016
Beyond sad and stunned to hear about Anton Yelchin.
— Dane DeHaan (@danedehaan) June 19, 2016
So talented.
So tragic.
My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Crestfallen to hear the news of Anton Yelchin. He was a superb actor and I always looked forward to the work he did. He will be missed.????
— Darren Criss (@DarrenCriss) June 19, 2016
Wow. Completely blown away and saddened by the news this morning about Anton. The world will miss his talents. RIP
— Miles Teller (@Miles_Teller) June 19, 2016
In absolute shock over the loss of #AntonYelchin. Absolutely horrible
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) June 19, 2016
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
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