Death Of Anton Yelchin: ‘Star Trek’ Actor Succumbed To Car Injury One Minute After Impact

Details surrounding the sudden and tragic death of Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin are beginning to slowly trickle out to the public. According to several media sources, including TMZ, the young actor, who was killed while on his way to a rehearsal meeting with friends late Saturday evening, was said to have perished less than a minute after being pinned between a brick mailbox attached to his San Fernando Valley property and the vehicle.

Furthermore, the possibility of him being inebriated was also ruled out, as investigators claimed not to have found any alcohol or drugs, prescription or otherwise, inside of the vehicle or on Yelchin.

Although the investigation into his shocking death is still in the early stages, inside sources are claiming that the five-ton Jeep Chrysler Cherokee is the sole factor in the actor’s passing from blunt traumatic asphyxia. The news is of minor relief to the fans and loved ones of the 27-year-old actor, a man who many have said was one of the most genuinely humble people they have ever interacted with.

On Monday, SourceFed creator and YouTube mainstay Philip DeFranco spoke about his experience of dealing with Yelchin while interviewing him earlier this year.

“I had the opportunity to meet and interview Anton only a few months ago,” he expressed on his Facebook page, “and I can honestly say he was one of the kindest, most humble human beings I’ve ever had the pleasure of being around. It’s just another reminder that you can be taken from this world at any moment, and you have to make the most of the time you [have] got on this earth.”

Investigators are also continuing to look into a possible fatal flaw of the specific Jeep model that Yelchin possessed. Back in May, a voluntary recall was issued by Fiat Chrysler (FCA) due to the e-shift transmission of certain Jeep Chrysler Cherokees “[lacking] the grooves found in old school transmissions that allow drivers to feel the various gears.”

There is still no word on whether or not Yelchin’s vehicle was one of the thousands that were part of the recall, but considering the year of the model (2015) and the sell dates of the recall (July 16, 2012, and December 22, 2015), it stands to chance that his was most definitely among the affected.

Also, it should be noted that when Yelchin’s body was discovered, the Jeep Cherokee was found to be in neutral and not park, a mistake that could be faulted to either the late actor or the car itself. FCA has released a statement asking the public not to jump to conclusions regarding the deadly mishap that took Yelchin’s life.

“FCA US extends its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Yelchin,” a spokesperson stated. “The company is in contact with the authorities and is conducting a thorough investigation. It is premature to speculate on the cause of this tragedy.”

Anton’s parents, former figure skaters Viktor and Irina Yelchin, have yet to speak publicly since the passing of their son. A rep for the actor has requested privacy from the public on behalf of his family. Yelchin’s next release, Star Trek Beyond, is still scheduled to hit theaters on July 22, 2016. There is currently no word on how Yelchin’s passing will affect future installments of the rebooted franchise.

[Photo by Frazer Harrison/Staff/Getty Images]