Photographs taken at Star Trek star Anton Yelchin's home show the twisted metal gate and mailbox that the 27-year-old was fatally crushed against during a freak accident.

The body of the Russian-born actor was found at around 1am on his driveway in Studio City, California. He had been hit by his own car, authorities said.

According to police sources, the star was pinned against the gate by his 5,000 pound (2.5 ton) Jeep Grand Cherokee after he got out of the car but left the SUV in neutral.

Investigators believe the vehicle rolled backwards and into Yelchin. They have not established why exited his car.

A friend found Yelchin's body pinned between his car and a brick mail box, which was attached to a security gate and is on a very steep incline.

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Tragic death: Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin has been found dead at the age of 27; he is seen in April at the premiere of Green Room in Hollywood

Tragic scene: The damaged gate at Yelchin's home is seen on Sunday; his body was found in the early hours of the morning pinned between the brick mail box and his car

No supicious circumstances: When Yelchin's body was found his car was in neutral, with the engine running

His friend had visited his Los Angeles home after growing concerned when Yelchin failed to attend a planned rehearsal earlier in the evening

When Yelchin's body was found his car was in neutral, with the engine still running.

His friend had visited the home after growing concerned when Yelchin failed to attend a planned 11 pm rehearsal earlier in the evening.

Police are still investigating the sudden death, but sources told TMZ that there were not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.

'It appears he momentarily exited his car and it rolled backward, causing trauma that led to his death,' LAPD spokeswoman Jenny Houser told the Hollywood Reporter.

Yelchin's publicist confirmed the sad news, saying in a statement: 'Anton Yelchin was killed in a fatal traffic collision early this morning. His family requests you respect their privacy at this time‎.'

Biggest role: The actor will next be seen in Star Trek Beyond, which comes out in July

Most famous role: Yelchin stars in Star Trek Beyond as Chekov, seen here with Chris Pine as Captain Kirk

'Amazing actor': Yelchin, left, is seen alongside co-stars Chris Pine Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, John Cho and Zoe Saldana in the 2009 Star Trek movie

Yelchin was born in Saint Petersburg in Russia, the son of well-known professional figure-skaters Irina and Viktor Yelchin.

After 15 years as the stars of Russia’s Ice Ballet, the Yelchins fled to the United States as political refugees when their only child was still a baby.

Raised in Los Angeles, Yelchin attended the University of Southern California.

He started acting as a child, taking his first professional role at age nine in A Man Is Mostly Water.

Small roles in indie films and various television shows followed, before he broke out in films like the crime thriller Alpha Dog and the teenage comedy Charlie Bartlett.

His biggest role to date had been a recurring role as Ensign Chekov in the rebooted Star Trek films - the third of which, Star Trek Beyond comes out in July.

He also appeared in Terminator Salvation, Jim Jarmush’s Only Lovers Left Alive, and Hearts In Atlantis, based on a novel by Stephen King.

Raised in Los Angeles, Yelchin attended the University of Southern California. He started acting as a child, taking his first professional role at age nine in A Man Is Mostly Water

Only child: Yelchin with his parents Irina and Viktor in 2007; well-known professional figure skaters in their homeland, the couple fled to the US as political refugees when their son was just a baby

Rising star: The Russian-born actor started small with roles in indie films and various television shows, before breaking out in films like the crime thriller Alpha Dog and the teenage comedy Charlie Bartlett

Final post: Yelchin, who was an only child, is seen on Instagram this week

Yelchin's famous friends and colleagues rushed to share their condolences after learning the tragic news.

His Star Trek co-stars were obviously devastated by the loss.

John Cho wrote: 'I loved Anton Yelchin so much. He was a true artist - curious, beautiful, courageous. He was a great pal and a great son. I'm in ruins.'

Tribute: Yelchin's friend and co-star Zachary Quinto wrote that the actor was 'wise beyond his years'

And Zachary Quntio called Yelchin 'our dear friend'.

Sharing a picture of the young star, he wrote: '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.'

JJ Abrams, the director of the rebooted franchise, shared a hand written tribute to the actor.

'Anton,' he wrote, 'You were brilliant. You were kind. You were funny as hell, and supremely talented.

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

JJ Abrams, the director of the rebooted franchise, shared a hand written tribute to the actor.

'This is unreal,' the actor's friend Anna Kendrick tweeted on Sunday. 'Anton Yelchin is such a talent. Such a huge loss.'

Chad Michael Murray tweeted: 'Just heard about Anton Yelchin. What a great talent and good young man. Gone far too soon...Terrible loss. You will be missed.'

Chris Kelly was one of many to complement the growing star's acting skills.

'Very sad to hear Anton Yelchin has died,' he wrote. 'Do yourself a favor and watch "Like Crazy." I love love love that movie. And he is amazing in it.'

'Anton Yelchin was one of my best friends', Kat Dennings wrote.

'Can't say anything that conveys what this feels like.'

British comedian Matt Lucas wrote: 'Dreadful news about Anton Yelchin. I thought he was an amazing actor.'

Pain: Yelchin's famous friends and colleagues rushed to share their condolences after the tragic news

Tragic: A variety of stars expressed their shock at his death

Meanwhile Lindsay Lohan claimed the two were friends, and gave her condolences to Anton;s father.

In a rambling message, she blamed 'Hollywood' for the death.

'This is the result of Hollywood,' she wrote on Instagram. 'A beautiful life has come to an end. A brilliant actor and a loving friend.

'Surround your life with good people and know who your true friends are. My prayers and love goes out to anton's family This breaks my heart. He was my friend I am so sorry to Anton's father.'