Actor Anton Yelchin arrives to a screening of Dreamworks Pictures' 'Fright Night' on August 17, 2011 in Hollywood, California. (Photo : Getty Images / Alberto E. Rodriguez )
Viktor and Irina Yelchin, the parents of Anton Yelchin, are filing charges against Fiat Chrysler and other companies for the death of their son who played Pavel Chekov in the recently released "Star Trek Beyond." The actor's family wants punitive damages for the death of the young actor caused by "significant defects" of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Yelchin's parents will reportedly go after Cherokee manufacturers Fiat Chrysler, ZF North America as well as car retailer chain AutoNation, according to TMZ. The lawsuit was set to be filed on Aug. 2 in Los Angeles Court at 11 a.m. local time.
Mr. and Mrs. Yelchin were acclaimed ice skaters in in Leningrad, Saint Petersburg where their son was born. The family moved to the United States when he was six months old.
The "Star Trek" actor died on June 19 when his own car pinned him against a security fence and a brick mailbox. He was standing behind his 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee parked in his driveway when the car rolled backwards. His death was confirmed by the Los Angeles county coroner as blunt traumatic asphyxia caused by the 2.5-ton or 5,000-pound vehicle's force against his body.
After Yelchin's death, Jeep owners filed a $5 million class lawsuit against makers of Grand Cherokee, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles for a "defective" gearshift which makes drivers think their car is parking when it is actually in neutral. Such has allegedly caused over 300 deaths, and there are 1.1 million vehicles for recall by FCA.
FCA US LLC even extended sympathies to Yelchin's family for their loss. The late actor's parents published a full-page ad to thank those who support their difficult grieving process. They stated their son would be surprised at the many souls and hearts he had touched.
"Star Trek Beyond" is the late actor's most high-profile project released posthumously. The Russian actor did not leave a will and records in court show his parents filed to administer his estate on July 29, Friday.
The 27-year-old "Star Trek" star is the only child of his parents, did not marry and had no child. He left behind $731,000 equity in his home at Sherman Oaks and at least $641,000 in personal property, BBC reported.
Watch Yelchin and his co-stars filming in the "Star Trek Beyond" clip below.
