The body of actor Anton Yelchin was found at around 1am on his driveway in Studio City, California, where he had been hit by his own car, according to authorities.

Police sources claim that the 27-year-old Star Trek actor was pinned against the gate by his 5,000 pound (2.5 ton) Jeep Grand Cherokee after he got out of the car probably to close the gate, leaving though the vehicle in neutral.

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, Daily Mail says.

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

His friend had visited the home because 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.’