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Anton Yelchin
Credit: Photo by Nicolas Guerin/Getty Images
Anton Yelchin, the actor beloved for his roles in films as diverse as Star Trek and Like Crazy, died in a tragic accident earlier today outside of his home in Los Angeles. He was just 27-years-old.
The Leningrad-born actor best known for playing Pavel Chekhov in JJ Abrams’ sci-fi franchise was reportedly killed after stepping out of his car in the driveway of his Studio City home in what’s being described as a “freak accident”.
“Actor Anton Yelchin was killed in a fatal traffic collision early this morning,” reads a statement released by his representative. “His family requests you respect their privacy at this time.” Jenny Houser, an LAPD spokesperson said Yelchin was fatally pinned against a mailbox pillar by his own car. Yelchin was apparently discovered by friends at 1.00AM after he failed to show up to a band rehearsal.
“It appears he had exited his car and was behind it when the vehicle rolled down a steep driveway,” the LAPD continued in their statement.
In the hours since, Yelchin has been memorialised on Twitter by a number of his close colleagues and collaborators, including one of many of his Star Trek co-stars John Cho, who described Yelchin as “a true artist – curious, beautiful, courageous. He was a great pal and a great son.”
Another co-star, Zachary Quinto, also shared the following heartfelt tribute:
“[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.
— Bad Robot (@bad_robot) 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
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
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
Anton Yelchin was one of my best friends. Can’t say anything that conveys what this feels like
— Kat Dennings (@OfficialKat) 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
This is unreal. Anton Yelchin is such a talent. Such a huge loss.
— Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) June 19, 2016
Anton was a sweetheart. Absolutely a great creative partner and artist.
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) June 19, 2016
