Anton Yelchin’s car recalled, could be cause of fatal accident

Anton Yelchin’s car was under a recall for a faulty gear shift system that could have caused his fatal accident.

The sad story of actor Anton Yelchin’s death just got even more tragic with news that his Jeep Grand Cherokee fell under a recall from the manufacturer for a faulty gear shift issue that makes the cars “rollaway” risks.

Yelchin was found by his friends early Sunday morning when he didn’t show up to meet them. He was found pinned to a security gate by his car, which had apparently rolled down a steep driveway and trapped the actor. The Star Trek Beyond star was only 27 years old.

Now investigators are looking at the actor’s 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee as the culprit in this freak accident. Earlier this year the 2014-2015 models were recalled by the manufacturer, Fiat Chrysler, for a defect that allowed the cars to roll away even though they appear to have been put into park.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started investigating the design of the gear shift itself, stating that it makes it look as though the car is in park when it really isn’t. Cars that have been left on without the emergency brake engaged can start to roll away because they are not actually in park. This led to a major recall in April of this year.

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While the company says it’s too early to speculate about any defect of this particular vehicle, Chrysler has posted a message about Yelchin’s tragic death:  “FCA US extends its most sincere apologies to the family and friends of Mr. Yelchin. The company is in contact with the authorities and is conducting a thorough investigation.”

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