Anton Yelchin cause of death: Star Trek actor died of accidental 'blunt traumatic asphyxia'

But police have said the investigation was still ongoing

Tributes for Yelchin have poured in from across the world from Star Trek colleagues, fellow actors and fans (WWD/Rex/Shutterstock)

The cause of Anton Yelchin’s death has been confirmed as an accident by the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.

Yelchin, who is known for playing the character of Chekov in two Star Trek movies, was tragically killed by his own car at his Los Angeles Homes on Sunday (19 June). He was 27.

Police said the actor stepped out of his car on the steep driveway of his home and the car rolled backwards, pinning him against a brick postbox pillar and a security fence. Yelchin had been on his way to meet friends for a rehearsal but when he did not show up, they went to his home and found his body.

Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter of the Los Angeles County coroner's office told People Magazine Yelchin had died of accidental “blunt traumatic asphyxia”.

On Monday, an LAPD spokesperson said the investigation was still ongoing and traffic detectives would be looking at all the factors they would examine in any traffic collision investigation.

Yelchin was driving a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee - the same model which Fiat Chrysler Automobiles recalled in April because the gear-shift design meant some drivers were exiting the car without ensuring the handbrake was in place.

Fiat Chrysler recalled approximately 1.1 million cars after reports owners were seeing their cars roll away. In a statement sent to The Independent, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said: “FCA US extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr Yelchin. The Company will be conducting a thorough investigation of this tragic incident. It is premature to speculate on its cause at this time.”

Tributes for Yelchin have poured in from across the world from Star Trek colleagues, fellow actors and fans since the news of his shock death emerged. Yelchin was a rising star in the film industry and managed to carve out a career for himself which comprised of both blockbusters and independent films.