Anton Yelchin mourned by co-stars

19 June 2016

Zachary Quinto has paid tribute to his "dear friend" Anton Yelchin following his shock death.

Zachary Quinto

The 39-year-old actor has penned a touching tribute to his 'Star Trek' co-star after he passed away in a car accident on Sunday (19.06.16) aged 27, describing him as "enormously talented and generous of heart".

He wrote on Instagram: "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. all love and strength to his family at this impossible time of grief (sic)"

Karl Urban, who appears alongside Anton in the upcoming 'Star Trek Beyond' is devastated by the news.

He wrote: "I can't believe it , I m f*kn hurting bad !(sic)"

'Star Trek' director J.J. Abrams hailed the "supremely talented" star and lamented his untimely death.

He shared on Twitter: "You were brilliant, you were kind, you were funny as hell, and supremely talented.

"And you weren't here nearly long enough. Missing you."

Justin Lin, who has taken over at the helm of 'Star Trek Beyond' was in "shock" at the news.

He posted: "Rest in peace, Anton. Your passion and enthusiasm will live on with everyone that had the pleasure of knowing you."

Director Guillermo del Toro, who was set to work with the Russian-born actor on the upcoming 'Trollhunters' series, was also stunned by the tragedy.

He wrote on Twitter: "The sweetest, most humble, delightful, talented guy you'd ever meet. Worked together for about a year. Shocked.

"Anton was a sweetheart. Absolutely a great creative partner and artist. As far as I am concerned, 2016 cannot end fast enough."

Anton's 'Charlie Bartlett' co-stars Kat Dennings and Tyler Hilton have been left distraught by their friend's passing.

Kat tweeted: "Anton Yelchin was one of my best friends. Can't say anything that conveys what this feels like."

Tyler added: "I just heard about my sweet, sweet talented friend #AntonYelchin and his horrible accident. I'm in complete shock. He had far more to say...(sic)"

It is believed Anton was killed after being pinned between his car and a mailbox, which was attached to a security gate."

Police are currently investigating his death but don't suspect foul play.