Breaking: Actor Anton Yelchin Dies in 'Freak Accident;' Car 'Rollaway Risk'

Corwin Parks | June 20, 2016
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Image Source: StarTrek.com

Sad news came early Sunday morning as the world learned actor Anton Yelchin had passed away.

Yelchin, 27, was known for his role as Star Trek’s Pavel Chekov in JJ Abrams’ film "Star Trek" (2009) and also reprising his role in the next three films - "Star Trek: Into Darkness" and "Star Trek: Beyond." 

 

TMZ first broke the story, saying that Yelchin was found “pinned by his own car.”

TMZ also went on to say,

"Yelchin's friends became alarmed because he was supposed to meet them hours earlier for a rehearsal. They went to his San Fernando Valley home at around 1 AM and found him pinned between his car and a brick mailbox pillar, which was attached to a security gate.

Law enforcement tells us the engine was running when his body was discovered, and the car was in neutral. The driveway was on a fairly steep incline. It's unclear why he got out of the car."

Believe it or not, there is an even weirder turn in the story. According to Gizmodo, the car in question was a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Gizmodo stated, “Fiat Chrysler earlier this year recalled certain Jeep Grand Cherokees for their “rollaway” risk after drivers were injured when they mistakenly thought they had shifted their car to park.”

Whether this malfunction had anything to do with Yelchin's death remains to be seen. However, Gizmodo also stated:

"The voluntary recall, in April 2016, impacted 2014 to 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokees that were manufactured between July 16, 2012, and December 22, 2015, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

It’s unclear which model was involved in Yelchin’s accident, as well as what exactly led up to the 27-year-old’s death. The LAPD did not respond to requests for comment."

From StarTrek.com :

“Anton was our little brother. But only by years; he was as wise and clever and intellectually curious as anyone we ever knew. His laugh was preposterous -- you couldn't hear it and not laugh yourself. He was funny, edgy, wild and talented beyond measure. His focus and dedication was admirable, as was his love of family, friends, literature and music.

We loved Anton, at work or at  play. We are all shocked and numb and devastated by the world's loss of an extraordinary young man.

To his family, we send our love during this impossible time.

We will miss Anton forever.”

His Star Trek family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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