Anton Yelchin’s Parents Suing Over His Death

They're filing lawsuit against Fiat Chrysler, other entities
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 2, 2016 10:57 AM CDT
Anton Yelchin’s Parents Suing Over His Death
In this 2014 file photo, actor Anton Yelchin poses for portraits during the 71st edition of the Venice Film Festival in Italy.   (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis, File)

Anton Yelchin's parents are suing Fiat Chrysler over their son's death, their lawyer has announced, reports Variety. The 27-year-old Star Trek actor died in June when his Jeep Grand Cherokee rolled down his driveway, pinning him to a pillar; it turned out the vehicle was under recall at the time because of a problem with the gear shifter making it seem like the car was in 'park' when it was actually in 'neutral.' But it has been reported that recall letters may not have been sent to owners by the time Yelchin died. His parents are also suing the gear shifter manufacturer and retail chain AutoNation.

Their lawyer says, per TMZ, that the family wants punitive damages "for the wrongful death of their son due to significant defects" with the vehicle. Fiat Chrysler won't comment on the specific suit since it has not yet been served, but a spokesman says the company "urges customers to follow the instructions in their owner's manuals and or the information cards sent with their recall notices," reports the New York Daily News. "These instructions include advising customers to set the parking brakes in their vehicles before exiting. Customers are urged to timely respond to their recall notices." Yelchin's parents are also filing to control his estate since he died with no will and was neither married nor had children, People reports. (More Anton Yelchin stories.)

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