Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin died early Sunday morning. He was 27.
Anton Yelchin’s rep confirmed the news and released the following statement
“Actor Anton Yelchin was killed in a fatal traffic collision early this morning. His family requests you respect their privacy at this time.”
Anton Yelchin was known for playing Chekov within the newly-rebooted Star Trek franchise. Stars of the franchise are already taking to Twitter to voice their heartbreak and shock over the loss of Yelchin. Karl Urban (Bones), Zachary Quinto (Spock) and John Cho (Sulu) posted their condolences and thoughts about Yelchin.
Star Trek and Star Trek: Into Darkness director J.J. Abrams also released a statement via his Bad Robot account.
— Bad Robot (@bad_robot) June 19, 2016
I can't believe it , I m fckn hurting bad !
— Karl Urban (@KarlUrban) June 19, 2016
https://www.instagram.com/p/BG2Q5RlLi7x/?taken-by=zacharyquinto
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
Still in shock. Rest in peace, Anton. Your passion and enthusiasm will live on with everyone that had the pleasure of knowing you.
— Justin Lin (@justinlin) June 19, 2016
So sad to hear this news… pic.twitter.com/fyQajch5kN
— Michael Giacchino (@m_giacchino) June 19, 2016
Since the hours following the news, many in Hollywood have taken to express their thoughts and sadness about the passing of Yelchin.
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
Anton Yelchin.
Genius actor. Amazing human being. Gone WAY too soon.
May he rest in peace.
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) June 20, 2016
So sad to hear about Anton Yelchin. I was a HUGE fan. Terrible news. RIP
— Logan Lerman (@LoganLerman) 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
Terrible news about Anton Yelchin, crazily talented actor gone too soon.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) June 19, 2016
TMZ first reported the news, saying that Anton Yelchin was pinned between his own car and a brick mail box which was attached to a security gate at his home in San Fernando Valley. It is not clear at this time what caused the accident. Stay tuned for more updates regarding the matter.
Source: TMZ
