Gone way too soon. I am saddened to report the passing of actor Anton Yelchin, best known for playing Chekov in the new Star Trek films, was killed by his own car as it rolled backward down his driveway early Sunday morning, his publicist, Jennifer Allen confirmed. He was 27. 

According to the Associated Press:

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.

Yelchin was on his way to meet friends for a rehearsal, Hosier said. When he didn’t show up, the group came to his home and found him dead.

Yelchin, an only child, was born in Russia. His parents were professional figure skaters who moved the family to the United States when Yelchin was a baby. Yelchin’s family requests privacy at this time.

Yelchin began his acting career as a child, taking small roles in independent films and various television shows, such as “ER,” ”The Practice,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” His breakout big-screen role came opposite Anthony Hopkins in 2001’s “Hearts in Atlantis.”

Yelchin also appeared in such films as Terminator Salvation (2009), Like Crazy (2011), The Beaver (2011), The Smurfs (2011), The Smurfs 2 (2013), Odd Thomas (2013), Green Room (2015), and more. Yelchin was also going to voice the role of Jim in Guillermo del Toro’s Netflix original series “Trollhunters”.

I loved him as Chekov in the Star Trek films, his role as Jacob in Like Crazy, and his role as Kyle Reese in Terminator Salvation. I have yet to watch Green Room and The Beaver, but I have a feeling that I will it.

Paramount Pictures released the following statement on Yelchin’s passing:

“All of us at Paramount join the world in mourning the untimely passing of Anton Yelchin. As a member of the Star Trek family, he was beloved by so many and he will missed by all. We share our deepest condolences with his mother, father and family.”

Friends, costars and celebrities pay tribute to Yelchin on social media:

https://twitter.com/TheOrlandoJones/status/744595687254306816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

My heart breaks about his passing. Our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.