Original 'Star Trek' Chekov Walter Koenig Mourns Anton Yelchin

Walter Koenig and Anton Yelchin (CBS/Paramount)

By Ryan Parker, The Hollywood Reporter

Walter Koenig, the actor who brought the character of Pavel Chekov to life in the original Star Trek TV series and subsequent films, only met Anton Yelchin once, but it was memorable.

“We spoke on a sound stage for about two hours,” Koenig said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “His reputation as an artist preceded him, however. I knew I was in the presence of a gifted performer.”

Yelchin, 27, was killed early Sunday morning when his Jeep rolled down his driveway, pinning him between the vehicle, a security fence and brick pillar.

Yelchin took over the role of Chekov for J.J. Abrams’ 2009 Star Trek reboot and two sequels. The third installment of the re-imagined franchise, Star Trek Beyond, is due out July 22.

Koenig says the two men were not close friends, but the young actor made in indelible impression.

More: Anton Yelchin’s Death Under Investigation, Possible Vehicle Defect Cited

“What I learned that day was how bright and sensitive he was. I walked away thinking — this is a good person,” Koenig said. “My heart goes out to his mother and father. I know what you’re going through.” (Koenig lost his son, actor Andrew Koenig, to suicide in 2010.)

Yelchin’s death remains under investigation by Los Angeles authorities.

Yelchin’s Jeep was part of a voluntary recall issued in April by Fiat Chrysler. The recall was issued to “reduce the effect of potential driver error by enhancing warnings and transmission shift strategy,” according to the notice.

In a statement, the company said: “FCA US extends its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Yelchin. The Company is in contact with the authorities and is conducting a thorough investigation. It is premature to speculate on the cause of this tragedy.”