The Jeep Grand Cherokee that killed Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin has been confirmed to be one of the 1.1 million Fiat Chrysler vehicles subject to a recall for a transmission design flaw that was cited in similar incidents.
The 27 year-old-actor, who plays Chekov in the new Star Trek films, was pinned by his own car as it rolled down a steep driveway. The vehicle pinned Yelchin against a brick mailbox pillar and a security fence at his Los Angeles home.
According to police, Yelchin died from blunt force asphyxia. His 2015 Grand Cherokee had an uncommon electronic gear selector that works like a self-centring toggle to switch through the transmission’s modes, rather than a lever with notches.