The coroner who examined 27-year-old Anton Yelchin’s body concluded that he “likely died within a minute or so.” The Star Trek actor was killed by his own Jeep after it rolled backwards pinning him against a mailbox.
The freak accident took place on Sunday at Yelchin’s home in San Fernando Valley. He likely did not suffer long due to the severity of his injuries.
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Yelchin was planning on meeting up with friends that night for a rehearsal when the accident occurred around 1:00 a.m. Sunday morning. A friend found him when he went to check on Yelchin at his residence when he did not show up for the rehearsal.
The Jeep Yelchin was driving was subject to recall by Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) following the conclusions of a study revealing that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study had “investigated 14 complaints of ‘rollaway’ after intended transmission shifts to the ‘Park’ gear,” according to The Wrap. The later model Jeep Grand Cherokees were recalled back in April.
“Drivers erroneously concluding that their vehicle’s transmission is in the Park position may be struck by the vehicle and injured if they attempt to get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged,” according to the NHTSA.
In the wake of the tragedy, the FCA will be conducting an investigation of their own as to deduce whether the car’s transmission was indeed the cause of the accident. Spokesperson for FCA, Eric Mayne stated, “It is premature to speculate on its cause at this time,” regarding the situation.
The FCA also told The Wrap in a statement, “The FCA US extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Yelchin. The company will be conducting a thorough investigation of this accident.”
While the accident is terribly tragic, thankfully the late actor likely did not suffer for a long period of time.
