Anton Yelchin (Chekov in the new Star Trek films) has died in a freak car accident

Today brings the very sad news that Anton Yelchin, who plays Chekov in the new Star Trek films, has been killed in a freak accident at only 27 years of age. CNET reports that the Russian-born actor died this morning ‘when his car rolled backward down his steep driveway and pinned him to a brick mailbox pillar and a security fence, said Jenny Houser, a spokeswoman with the Los Angeles Police Department.’ Friends then went to find him like this when he hadn’t turned up for a scheduled rehearsal, according to Houser.

Yelchin will appear, now posthumously, as Pavel Chekov in Star Trek Beyond later this year, having previously played the character in Star Trek (2009) and Star Trek Into Darkness (2013). He was a much loved member of that team and will be sorely missed. He also previously took on the role of Kyle Reese in Terminator Salvation. His colleagues on Star Trek Beyond have taken to Twitter to express their shock and sadness:

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

our dear friend. our comrade. our anton. one of the most open and intellectually curious people… https://t.co/zgTxXmyrbD

— Zachary Quinto (@ZacharyQuinto) June 19, 2016