Anton Yelchin, who played Chekov in recently released Star Trek films, has died in a car accident at the age of 27.
The actor had risen to prominence with several blockbuster films in recent years - and has a starring role in Star Trek Beyond, which is due to be released in July.
Publicist Jennifer Allen confirmed Yelchin was killed early on Sunday morning.
According to TMZ, the star died in a "freak accident" after getting pinned between his car and a brick mailbox at his home.
Yelchin was discovered after concerned friends visited his home in San Fernando Valley, California, because he had failed to attend a rehearsal hours earlier.
An only child, Yelchin was born in Russia and moved to the US as a baby with his parents, who were professional figure skaters.
Fellow TV and film stars, as well as fans, have paid tribute to Yelchin on Twitter.
British comedian Matt Lucas wrote: "Dreadful news about Anton Yelchin. I thought he was an amazing actor."
Actress Anna Kendrick described Yelchin's death as "unreal" and a "huge loss".
He had begun his acting career when he was just nine years old.
RIP
The actor had risen to prominence with several blockbuster films in recent years - and has a starring role in Star Trek Beyond, which is due to be released in July.
Publicist Jennifer Allen confirmed Yelchin was killed early on Sunday morning.
According to TMZ, the star died in a "freak accident" after getting pinned between his car and a brick mailbox at his home.
Yelchin was discovered after concerned friends visited his home in San Fernando Valley, California, because he had failed to attend a rehearsal hours earlier.
An only child, Yelchin was born in Russia and moved to the US as a baby with his parents, who were professional figure skaters.
Fellow TV and film stars, as well as fans, have paid tribute to Yelchin on Twitter.
British comedian Matt Lucas wrote: "Dreadful news about Anton Yelchin. I thought he was an amazing actor."
Actress Anna Kendrick described Yelchin's death as "unreal" and a "huge loss".
He had begun his acting career when he was just nine years old.
RIP
