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Anton Yelchin Died Within a Minute of Freak Accident, Coroner Says

Anton Yelchin died within a minute of his freak car accident on Sunday, June 19, according to the Los Angeles County’s coroner office.

Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter tells Us Weekly that Yelchin died of blunt traumatic asphyxia. “Due to his injuries he most likely died within a minute or so,” a representative for the coroner told TheWrap on Tuesday, June 21.

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As previously reported, the Star Trek Beyond actor died at age 27 when he was fatally pinned by his car after it rolled down the steep driveway of his L.A. home. He was found pressed in between his brick mailbox and security fence early Sunday morning.

Yelchin was on his way to meet friends for a rehearsal, but his pals grew worried after he didn’t show up. They drove to his house, where they discovered his body. His vehicle, a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee was part of a massive recall.

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According to CBS News, 1.1 million of 2014 and 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokees were recalled because the new electronic gearshift, or e-shift, made it difficult to put the car into park, drive or reverse.

Anton Yelchin
Anton Yelchin attends the premiere of ‘The Driftless Area’ during the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival at BMCC Tribeca PAC on April 18, 2015, in New York City.

On Monday, June 20, Jeep released a statement offering their condolences for Yelchin, but stated that it is too early to blame his death on the company’s vehicle.

“FCA US extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Yelchin,” a representative for Jeep told TheWrap. “The company will be conducting a thorough investigation of this tragic incident. It is premature to speculate on its cause at this time.”

Since his tragic passing, many of Yelchin’s famous friends have taken to social media to honor his memory.

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“Devastated by our friend’s loss,” his Star Trek costar Zoe Saldana wrote of the late actor, who played Chekov in the three-part movie reboot. “We are mourning his passing and celebrating the beautiful spirit that he was. #RIPAnton.”

Along with his role in the Star Trek series, Yelchin was known for acting in movies such as Like Crazy and Charlie Bartlett. He starred alongside Justin Timberlake in 2006’s Alpha Dog. He will appear posthumously in the third Star Trek film, Star Trek Beyond, which is set for release in July. 

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