'Star Trek' actor Anton Yelchin dies in freak traffic accident

Actor Anton Yelchin, who took over the role of Chekov in the "Star Trek" films, has died at age 27, TMZ is reporting.

According to police, Yelchin's body was found pinned between his car and a brick mailbox which was attached to a security gate at his home.

Yelchin's friends went to his San Fernando home after he failed to show up for a rehearsal, and found the young actor's body, with the car still running but in neutral.

“Actor Anton Yelchin was killed in a fatal traffic collision early this morning. His family requests you respect their privacy at this time,” his publicist, Jennifer Allen said in a statement.

Yelchin grew to fame in the film "Alpha Dog" as well as his recurring role as Ensign Paval Chekov in the popular science fiction films.

The latest installment, "Star Trek Beyond" is scheduled for release on July 22.