Vale: Anton Yelchin

US actor Anton Yelchin, best known for two Star Trek movies, has died aged just 27.

He was killed on Sunday in a freak accident when his car rolled backwards on the steep driveway of his LA home, and pinned him against a wall.

He was due at a rehearsal and when he did not show up, friends went to his house and found him. No foul play was suspected but the accident is under investigation, police said.

Russian-born Yelchin was best known as playing Chekov in the 2009 / 2013 Star Trek movie series and appears in the upcoming Star Trek Beyond.

Other film credits include Hearts in Atlantis, House of D, Fright Night, Green Room, Terminator Salvation, The Smurfs and Along Came a Spider.

His TV credits include Huff, Taken, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, ER, Judging Amy, NYPD Blue, Without a Trace, The Practice, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Criminal Minds.

“Still in shock. Rest in peace, Anton,” tweeted Justin Lin, who directed Yelchin in his third Star Trek movie. “Your passion and enthusiasm will live on with everyone that had the pleasure of knowing you.”

“I loved Anton Yelchin so much,” wrote John Cho, who plays Sulu in the current Star Trek. “He was a true artist – curious, beautiful, courageous. He was a great pal and a great son. I’m in ruins.”

Hank Azaria, said on Twitter “He was a very sweet kid. My heart goes out to his family.”

Source: Reuters.