‘Star Trek’ actor Anton Yelchin found dead after accident at home

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By BNO NEWS

Anton Yelchin, the Russian-born actor who was best known for his role as Chekov in the “Star Trek” reboot movie series, was found dead Sunday after an accident outside his house in Los Angeles, local police said.

Yelchin, who was 27, was standing behind the car when it rolled backwards down his driveway at his home in Studio City and left him trapped against a brick mailbox and a security gate. His body was found by friends at around 1:10 a.m. PT.

“It appeared Yelchin had momentarily exited his car leaving it in the driveway,” said Officer Jenny Houser, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Police Department. It is believed the accident may have happened several hours earlier.

Yelchin’s publicist, Jennifer Allen, confirmed the actor’s death but provided no further details. “Actor Anton Yelchin was killed in a fatal traffic collision early this morning. His family requests you respect their privacy at this time‎,” she said in a statement.

Numerous celebrities took to Twitter to express their sadness over the sudden death of their friend. “Anton Yelchin was one of my best friends. Can’t say anything that conveys what this feels like,” actress Kat Dennings said in a tweet.

“Devastated to hear about the brilliant Anton Yelchin. He was thoughtful, kind, and gifted. My thoughts and prayers are with his family,” actor Chris Evans said in another tweet.

Yelchin, who was born in the Soviet Union in 1989, moved to the United States with his parents when he was just six months old. His parents were stars of the Leningrad Ice Ballet for 15 years, and Yelchin began his acting career at the age of just 9 when he appeared in “A Man is Mostly Water.”

Most notably, Yelchin appeared in the 2009 movie “Star Trek” and the 2013 sequel “Star Trek Into Darkness.” He will also appear in “Star Trek Beyond”, which premieres next month. Yelchin was further known for his role as Bobby in “Hearts in Atlantis” (2011), as Kyle Reese in “Terminator Salvation” (2009), and as Charlie Brewster in “Fright Night” (2011).

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