The GATES OF DEATH The mangled remains of iron fence where Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin was crushed to death by jeep

The Star Trek actor was found pinned to the gate of his Los Angeles’ home by a Jeep Ford Cherokee early on Sunday morning

Friends found the 27-year-old pinned between his 2.5 tonne jeep and the gates to his LA home.

The vehicle rolled back down the star’s drive, which is on a steep incline. Investigators have not established why he was out of the car

THESE images show the mangled gates Star Trek star Anton Yelchin was crushed against by his 2.5 tonne Jeep in a tragic accident yesterday. The Russian-born star, 27, was pinned against a concrete pillar next to the gate of his Los Angeles home when his body was found by a friend.

Tributes have poured in for the popular actor who was only 27 years old

Authorities investigating the tragedy have not yet established why Yelchin was out of his car but it is believed the Jeep Grand Cherokee rolled back down his driveway’s steep incline, ramming him into the pillar.

As Chekov, left ... Yelchin rose to fame in the big-money Star Trek reboot franchise

Friends made the grim discovery when they visited his home in San Fernando Valley at 1am local time on Sunday after he failed to attend a planned rehearsal. The car was found in neutral with its engine still running.

In character ... Yelchin, left, in Star Trek reboot with US star Chris Pine, right

His publicist has issued a statement following the tragedy: “Anton Yelchin was killed in a fatal traffic collision early this morning. “His family requests you respect their privacy at this time‎.”

There are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances. LAPD spokeswoman Jenny Houser told the Hollywood Reporter: "It appears he momentarily exited his car and it rolled backward, causing trauma that led to his death."