Hollywood mourns death of ‘Star Trek’ star Anton Yelchin

“Star Trek” actor Anton Yelchin has died, leaving Hollywood a sadder place. The 27-year-old Russian-born American actor, best known for playing Pavel Chekov in the “Star Trek” reboot film series, died in a freak car accident on Sunday in Los Angeles. His friends and colleagues in the industry have paid tribute to the fallen actor.

Yelchin was found pinned between his car and a brick mailbox outside his Los Angeles home on Sunday. According to authorities, he stepped out of his car in the driveway around 1:10 a.m. when his car slid backwards and pinned him against the mailbox. He died from the trauma.

“The victim was on his way to meet his friends for a rehearsal and when he didn’t show up, his friends went to his house where they found him deceased by his car,” LAPD’s Jennifer Houser told CNN. “It appears that he momentarily left his car, leaving it in the driveway. He was behind the vehicle when it rolled backward and pinned him to the brick pillar causing the trauma that led to his death.”

He was the only child of Irina Korina and Viktor Yelchin, both professional figure skaters. He briefly dabbled with figure skating as well, but he admitted he wasn’t very good at it. His true calling was acting, with his role as Pavel Chekov in the “Star Trek” film series the most memorable character he had played.

“Star Trek Beyond” will be released in July. Yelchin reprised his role in the film. He will also be seen in the US drama “We Don’t Belong Here” alongside Maya Rudolph, Riley Keough, Catherine Keener, Kaitlyn Dever and Cary Elwes.

Hollywood mourns ‘Star Trek’ star

“Star Trek” directors and past and present stars have expressed their condolences after learning of Yelchin’s death, praising the actor for his thoughtful personality and his superb talent.

“Star Wars” star Mark Hamill also paid tribute to the young actor, as well as bestselling novelist Stephen King, “Captain America: Civil War” star Chris Evans, “Simpsons” voice actor Hank Azaria and “Breaking Bad” star Aaron Paul among many others.