Anton Yelchin was killed in a freak accident on Sunday when the actor’s car rolled down the driveway of his San Fernando Valley home in California and pinned his body against a brick mailbox.
A representative for the Los Angeles County coroner’s office has confirmed the 27-year-old died from “blunt traumatic asphyxia.”
“Due to his injuries he most likely died within a minute or so,” the representative told The Wrap.
The accident occurred at around 1:10am [US time] on Sunday, when the Star Trek Beyond star was due to meet his friends at a rehearsal. When Anton didn’t show up, they drove to his house, where they found his body.
Anton’s car, a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, was the same model that was part of a massive recall in April due to its faulty electronic gearshift design.
The 27-year-old actor’s tragic death has rocked Hollywood.
On Monday, Jeep released a statement with their condolences following Anton’s death.
“FCA US extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Yelchin,” the statement read.
“The company will be conducting a thorough investigation of this tragic incident. It is premature to speculate on its cause at this time.”
The 2014 and 2015 models of the Jeep Grand Cherokee were recalled in April.
In the wake of his passing, Anton’s Hollywood peers have taken to social media to pay tribute to the young actor.
His Alpha Dog co-star, Justin Timberlake tweeted, “Anton Yelchin. Genius actor. Amazing human being. Gone WAY too soon. May he rest in peace.”
Meanwhile, his Star Trek co-star Zoe Saldana was “devastated” by the news.
“Devastated by our friend’s loss,” the actress wrote. “We are mourning his passing and celebrating the beautiful spirit that he was. #RIPAnton.”
Watch below to find out what makes the model of Anton’s Jeep so dangerous.
