Anton Yelchin – the star of Charlie Bartlett, Only Lovers Left Alive, and Star Trek – has been killed by his own car in a freak accident in Los Angeles.

The 27-year-old actor was reportedly struck by the 2.5 tonne vehicle after it rolled down the steep incline of his driveway. According to LA police officer Jenny Hosier, his body was found pinned against a brick postbox and a security pillar in the early hours of Sunday morning. “It appears he momentarily exited his car and it rolled backward, causing trauma that led to his death,” Hosier told the Hollywood Reporter.

Concerned friends of Yelchin made the discovery after he didn’t turn up for a rehearsal on Saturday evening. After not hearing from him for several hours, the group headed to the actor’s home and stumbled across the scene. The car – a Jeep Grand Cherokee – was set to neutral, with the engine still running.

Star Trek director JJ Abrams was one of the many to pay tribute to the “brilliant” Yelchin shortly after the tragic news broke. “You were kind,” he wrote. “You were funny as hell, and supremely talented. Anton, you weren't here nearly long enough. Missing you.”

The actor's publicist Jennifer Allen also confirmed the news, and added that his family had requested privacy.