39-year-old Zachary Quinto posted a touching tribute remembering friend and fellow actor Anton Yelchin. The 27-year-old actor was found dead while pinned between his car and a mailbox pillar in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 19. His death is being referred to as a ‘freak accident’ and police do not suspect foul play.
Quinto used Instagram to share his thoughts about the Star Trek actor and friend, writing: “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 (sic).”
Karl Urban, another actor who appears with Yelchin in the upcoming Star Trek Beyond, wrote: “I can’t believe it , I m f*kn hurting bad !(sic)” out of devastation.
Director J.J. Abrams also shared his emotions via Twitter: “You were brilliant, you were kind, you were funny as hell, and supremely talented. And you weren’t here nearly long enough. Missing you.”
Along with those who recently worked with Yelchin, other actors and directors expressed their grief, including Justin Lin, Guillermo del Toro, Kat Denning and Tyler Hilton.
Law enforcement investigating the death said the engine of Yelchin’s car was running when they arrived at the scene while in neutral gear. The driveway was on a steep incline before reaching the pillar and the security gate.