Los Angeles police have confirmed Star Trek star Anton Yelchin, 27, was killed when he was struck by his own car. Celebrity tributes pour in for the young actor
Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin was killed when he was struck by his own car, police have said.
The American actor, 27, was hit by the vehicle as it rolled backwards down his driveway in Studio City, California, according to Los Angeles police officer Jenny Hosier.
The car pinned Anton against a brick letter box pillar and a security fence.
He had got out of the car, but police did not say why he was behind it when it started rolling.
Anton was on his way to meet friends for a rehearsal, Ms Hosier said. When he did not arrive, the group went to his house and found him dead.
Anton started his acting career with parts in indie films and television shows such as Judging Amy and The Practice before getting his big break in 2006 crime thriller Alpha Dog.
He is best known for playing Pavel Chekov in the rebooted Star Trek films.
The actor is in the third film in the franchise, Star Trek Beyond, which is due to be released in the UK in July.
The accident took place early on Sunday morning.
Anton, an only child, was born in Russia. His parents were professional figure skaters who moved the family to the United States when Anton was a baby.
His publicist, Jennifer Allen, confirmed his death and said his family requested privacy.
Celebrities have been expressing their condolences. His Star Trek co-stars Zachary Quinto and John Cho are among those who have paid tribute to the actor on social media.
Zachary posted a picture of Anton on Instagram. He also 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.”
