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In what’s been described as a tragic “freak accident,” the loss of actor Anton Yelchin is being felt deeply among his co-stars and friends.
Yelchin, 27, died in Los Angeles on Sunday after being pinned between a mailbox and his car. In response to the heartbreaking news, many of his closest companions took to social media to mourn.
Actress Kat Dennings, who worked with Yelchin in the film Charlie Bartlett, wrote on Twitter: “Anton Yelchin was one of my best friends. Can’t say anything that conveys what this feels like.” Tyler Hilton, who also worked Yelchin on the film, posted: “I just heard about my sweet, sweet talented friend #AntonYelchin and his horrible accident. I’m in complete shock. He had far more to say…”
Yelchin’s Star Trek cast mates shared similar messages about his unexpected passing. John Cho, who played Hikaru Sulu alongside Yelchin’s Pavel Chekov, wrote, “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.” He added, “Please send your love to Anton’s family right now. They need it.”
Zachary Quinto, who played Spock in the space series, posted a beautiful tribute to Yelchin on Instagram. “Our dear friend. our comrade. our anton. one of the most open and intellectually curious people i have ever had the pleasure to know,” he posted. “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.”
Director Guillermo del Toro was scheduled to work with Yelchin in the new Trollhunters series. He was gutted to hear the news. “Anton was a sweetheart. Absolutely a great creative partner and artist.” In a follow-up post he wrote, “As far as I’m concerned, 2016 cannot end fast enough.”
