The 27-year-old actor, who played Chekov in the new movies, died in a car accident in his own driveway early Sunday. Several of his Star Trek co-stars took to social media to pay tribute to their friend.
"Our dear friend. Our comrade. Our Anton. One of the most open and intellectually curious people I have ever had the pleasure to know. So enormously talented and generous of heart. Wise beyond his years. And gone before his time," Zachary Quinto, who plays Spock in the films, including the upcoming sequel Star Trek Beyond, wrote on Instagram. "All love and strength to his family at this impossible time of grief."
"I loved Anton Yelchin so much," John Cho, who plays Sulu, wrote on Twitter, minutes after the news broke. "He was a true artist—curious, beautiful, courageous. He was a great pal and a great son. I'm in ruins."
Yelchin, an only child of Russian descent, is survived by his parents.
"Please send your love to Anton's family right now. They need it," Cho said.
"I can't believe it , I'm f--kn hurting bad!" tweeted Karl Urban, who plays gruff doctor Bones in the Star Trek films.
LeVar Burton, who played Geordi La Forge on the show Star Trek: The Next Generation and its movies, also commented about the sad news.
"OMG... Nooooo!" Burton tweeted.
"I was hoping this wasn't true. Such a talented young actor taken way too soon. Very sad," wrote Michael Dorn, who played Worf.
"Oh my God," wrote Wil Wheaton, who played Wesley Crusher.
Chris Doohan, who played a Starfleet officer in the first two new Star Trek films and stars in the fan-created series Star Trek Continues, tweeted, "I am so saddened by the death of Anton Yelchin. He was an amazing person. He always made me feel at home on the set.
Adam Nimoy, whose father, original Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy died in 2015, tweeted, "Heartbreaking to hear the news today about Anton. An incredible talent, lost much too soon. He will be missed."
Kat Dennings, who starred with Yelchin in the 2007 movie Charlie Bartlett, said on Twitter, "Anton Yelchin was one of my best friends. Can't say anything that conveys what this feels like."
"Devastated to hear about the brilliant Anton Yelchin," tweeted Captain America star Chris Evans, who starred with the actor in the 2005 movie Fierce People. "He was thoughtful, kind, and gifted. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Olivia Wilde, who worked with Yelchin on the 2006 film Alpha Dog, said on Twitter, "Anton Yelchin was a bright, brilliant talent, and a truly kind person. I was so taken by him, and won't ever forget his sweet smile. RIP."
Other celebs who never worked with Yelchin also paid tribute to the actor.
"Anton Yelchin just died in a car wreck. So damn sad," tweeted Mallrats and Clerks director Kevin Smith. "I met him and his Mom on a plane once. They were very sweet.
Anna Kendrick called the actor's death "unreal."
"Anton Yelchin is such a talent," she wrote on Twitter. "Such a huge loss."
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