Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV said on Monday it would investigate a crash that killed Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin when he was struck by his recalled 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Yelchin was killed when the SUV rolled away and pinned him against a fence in Los Angeles, police said on Sunday.
Fiat Chrysler in April recalled more than 1.1 million cars and SUVs worldwide because vehicles may roll away after drivers exit, an issue linked to 41 injuries.
The company had told owners it hoped to come up with a “permanent” remedy by the fourth quarter.
Fiat Chrysler spokesman Eric Mayne said the company would conduct a “thorough investigation” of the incident.
“It is premature to speculate on its cause at this time,” he added.
Found pinned against pillar, fence
The Los Angeles Police Department told CBC News that Yelchin was found pinned against a brick mailbox pillar and a security fence. Russian-born Yelchin was on his way to a rehearsal when the accident happened. Friends found him after going to his Studio City home when he didn’t show up after several hours.
Yelchin played Chekov in the revamped Star Trek franchise, including in the upcoming Star Trek Beyond, to be released next month. His credits also include the Steven Spielberg miniseries Taken and the Jim Jarmusch film Only Lovers Left Alive.
Watch Yelchin’s 2013 interview with CBC about Only Lovers Left Alive and how he chooses his roles below.
Anton Yelchin talks to CBC about Only Lovers Left Alive in 20131:14