Tributes pour in for Anton Yelchin after fatal car accident

27-year-old actor Anton Yelchin died following a freak accident at his home on Sunday morning in Los Angeles.

The rising actor was standing behind his car, which was parked in his driveway when the vehicle rolled backwards, pinning him against a security fence, a police spokesperson told reporters.

Yelchin, who was most noted for his role as Chekov in the Star Trek reboots, had been on his way to meet friends for a rehearsal and when he did not show up, they went to his house and found his body.

Tributes have poured in for the actor, whose promising performance in Indie films had already captured critical acclaim.

“Still in shock. Rest in peace, Anton,” tweeted Justin Lin, who directed Yelchin in his third Star Trek movie, which is scheduled for release in July.

“Your passion and enthusiasm will live on with everyone that had the pleasure of knowing you.”

 “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,” tweeted co-star John Cho, who plays Sulu in the current Star Trek series.

Star Trek director JJ Abrams paid tribute to the actor in a handwritten note saying; “Anton, you were brilliant. You were kind. You were funny as hell, and supremely talented. And you weren’t here nearly long enough.”

Actors including Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick and Zachary Quinto were among co-stars and fellow actors who reacted to the shocking news.

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

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

This is unreal. Anton Yelchin is such a talent. Such a huge loss.

— Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) June 19, 2016

Yelchin was born in Russia, the son of two figure skaters, and emigrated to the United States as an infant. He also toyed with the idea of a career as a figure skater but decided against such a move. He had appeared in numerous films and was in the TV series Huff.