Kiwi actor Karl Urban has voiced his pain at learning about the death of his Star Trek co-star, Anton Yelchin.
Urban, who appears alongside Yelchin in the upcoming Star Trek Beyond is devastated by the news. Yelchin passed away in a car accident on Sunday (19.06.16) aged 27.
He wrote: "I can't believe it , I'm f*kn hurting bad!"
Zachary Quinto has also paid tribute to his "dear friend" following Yelchin's shock death.
The 39-year-old actor has penned a touching tribute to his Star Trek co-star, describing him as "enormously talented and generous of heart".
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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)"
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."
Another Star Trek co-star John Cho, who played Mr Sulu, 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."
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."
Yelchin's Charlie Bartlett co-stars Kat Dennings and Tyler Hilton have been left distraught by their friend's passing.
Dennings tweeted: "Anton Yelchin was one of my best friends. Can't say anything that conveys what this feels like."
Hilton 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)"
Many other stars shared their condolences on social media:
It is believed Yelchin 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.
- Bang! Showbiz, nzherald.co.nz
The Australian site cited a 'heightened threat level' as the issue.