Anton Yelchin (1989-2016), Actor Best Known for His Role as Chekov in the Star Trek Reboot Films

Actor Anton Yelchin, best known for his role as Pavel Chekov in the Star Trek reboot films, tragically died today in a freak car accident when his car rolled backwards down his driveway in Studio City, CA.

The car pinned Yelchin, 27, against a brick mailbox pillar and a security fence at his home in Studio City, according to Los Angeles police Officer Jenny Hosier. He had gotten out of the vehicle momentarily, but police did not say why he was behind it when it started rolling.

pic.twitter.com/q8VBJBVPK3

— Bad Robot (@bad_robot) June 19, 2016

We're saddened to report the passing of Anton Yelchin, best known as Chekov @StarTrekMovie https://t.co/dgpY0gSuem pic.twitter.com/EXMCAJsKgx

— Star Trek (@StarTrek) June 19, 2016

Absolutely devastated to hear about Anton Yelchin. He was such a gifted, natural actor & a deeply kind man. My thoughts are with his family.

— Tom Hiddleston (@twhiddleston) June 19, 2016

I only got to work with Anton Yelchin for one day but immediately he was the kind of person you rooted for & wanted to see thrive.

— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) June 19, 2016

our dear friend. our comrade. our anton. one of the most open and intellectually curious people i have ever had the pleasure to know. so enormously talented and generous of heart. wise beyond his years. and gone before his time. all love and strength to his family at this impossible time of grief.

A photo posted by Zachary Quinto (@zacharyquinto) on Jun 19, 2016 at 12:31pm PDT

image via Star Trek