Anton Yelchin, the actor best known for playing Chekov in the new Star Trek movies, has died at the age of 27 after being pinned down by his own car, according to reports.
Jenny Houser, an LAPD spokesperson, told the The Hollywood Reporter the car accident happened in the actor’s own driveway in Los Angeles on Sunday.
“It appears he momentarily exited his car and it rolled backward, causing trauma that led to his death,” she said.
Yelchin came to prominence playing Pavel Chekov in director JJ Abrams’ new Star Trek films; a third film, Star Trek: Beyond, which was shot in Vancouver, is due out in July.
Among Yelchin’s other film credits are Terminator: Salvation, Like Crazy, and recent horror movie Green Room, alongside original Star Trek cast member Patrick Stewart.
According to reports, Paramount Pictures, the studio behind the Star Trek movies, released a statement Sunday upon learning of Yelchin’s death.
“All of us at Paramount join the world in morning the untimely passing of Anton Yelchin. As a member of the Star Trek family, he was beloved by so many and he will missed by all.
“We share our deepest condolences with his mother, father and family.”
JJ Abrams posted a handwritten note on the Twitter account of his production company Bad Robot, reacting to news of Yelchin’s death:
— Bad Robot (@bad_robot) June 19, 2016
The rest of Hollywood also took to social media to express their condolences. Here’s a selection of messages:
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
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
A photo posted by Zachary Quinto (@zacharyquinto) on
Truly so sad to hear this news about Anton Yelchin. He was so young and so talented. RIP Anton Yelchin 😔💐 pic.twitter.com/dGOZUCNkrC
— Shailene Woodley (@ShaileneArmy) June 19, 2016
Devastated about Anton Yelchin. He was a very sweet kid. My heart goes out to his family
— Hank Azaria (@HankAzaria) 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
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
Fuck. I was lucky enough to call Anton Yelchin my friend for the better part of the last decade. This is so fucking awful.
— Jay Baruchel (@BaruchelNDG) June 19, 2016
I can't believe it , I m fckn hurting bad !
— Karl Urban (@KarlUrban) June 19, 2016
Anton Yelchin was a great actor and an even better person. What a cool guy. He will be missed by all #AntonYelchin pic.twitter.com/bVN7Y3dmJa
— McG (@McGsWonderland) 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
Today we mourn the passing of Anton Yelchin. He was beloved by so many and he will missed by all. pic.twitter.com/POChZ2XwyI
— Star Trek (@StarTrekMovie) June 19, 2016