'Star Trek' actor Anton Yelchin dead in fatal car accident; celebrities pay heartbreaking tribute on social media

Anton Yelchin, who was best known for portraying the character of Pavel Chekov in "Star Trek" reboot series, died in a "freak" car accident on June 19.

The 27-year-old actor was found by friends pinned between his car and the iron security gate of his Studio City, California home. The exact details of his death are not yet revealed.

Besides "Star Trek" movies, Yelchin was also known for his role in movies like "Terminator Salvation" (2009), "Charlie Bartlett" (2007) and "Fright Night" (2011). He will appear as Chekov in "Star Trek Beyond" posthumously.

Several celebrities took it to their Twitter and Instagram accounts to pay tribute to the young actor including his fellow Star Trek co-stars John Cho and Zachary Quinto. Other prominent actors like Tom Hiddleston and Chris evans also mourned his death.

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

 

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

Devastated to hear about the brilliant Anton Yelchin. He was thoughtful, kind, and gifted. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) 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

Anton Yelchin was a bright, brilliant talent, and a truly kind person. I was so taken by him, and won't ever forget his sweet smile. RIP

— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) June 19, 2016

This is unreal. Anton Yelchin is such a talent. Such a huge loss. — Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) June 19, 2016

Anton Yelchin was one of my best friends. Can't say anything that conveys what this feels like

— Kat Dennings (@OfficialKat) June 19, 2016

Fuck. I was lucky enough to call Anton Yelchin my friend for the better part of the last decade. This is so fucking awful. — Jay Baruchel (@BaruchelNDG) June 19, 2016