Star Trek’s Anton Yelchin Has Passed Away

Jill Pantozzi | June 19th, 2016

The Associated Press is reporting Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin has passed away. He was 27-years-old.

The write:

Anton Yelchin, a charismatic and rising actor best known for playing Chekov in the new “Star Trek” films, has died at the age of 27. He was killed in a fatal traffic collision early Sunday morning, his publicist, Jennifer Allen confirmed.

Yelchin started small with roles in indie films and various television shows, before breaking out in films like the crime thriller “Alpha Dog” and the teenage comedy “Charlie Bartlett.” His biggest role to date has been 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. Yelchin’s family requests privacy at this time.

My thoughts are with his family and friends today.

[UPDATE] I’m sure this is just the beginning of many friends who will be sharing their memories of Yelchin in the coming days but here’s some nice words from director Guillermo del Toro who was working with the actor on his upcoming animated Netflix series Trollhunters.

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 was a sweetheart. Absolutely a great creative partner and artist.

— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) June 19, 2016

[UPDATE #2] A new Associated Press report says Yelchin’s death was ruled an accident by police and was the result of his own car pinning him to a pillar and fence at his house. They also report his 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee was among a model that had been recalled due to confusing gear shifters but no confirmation as of yet if that was the reason the car rolled away.