There’s never a good way to start one of these articles. On the one hand when an actor dies we want to express our love of their work and mourn how they were taken from us far too soon, but on the other we never want it to seem like reporting on it cheapens the loss. It is with the heaviest of hearts that we report that actor Anton Yelchin has passed away.

It’s been confirmed by Yelchin’s publicist that the actor was involved in a car collision and passed away early Sunday morning. We’re sure there will be more detail about this tragic event but for now we want to celebrate Yelchin for what he gave the world. For a long time, the Russian-born actor was known for mostly small roles in indie films and television but saw quite a rise to stardom with films like Alpha Dog, Charlie Bartlett, Terminator Salvation, and the remake of the cult classic Fright Night. However, most will remember him for his role as a young Pavel Chekov in the recent Star Trek film series, perfectly encapsulating the character for the modern take on the franchise.

I’ve always found Yelchin’s performances to be absolutely fascinating. No matter the genre there was always something intriguing about the way he held himself as if he’d been acting for far longer than he had. His parts, even in the sillier parts of films like Charlie Bartlett, had a certain gravitas to them. It’s cliché to say he seemed like an “old soul” but that’s probably the best way I can describe it. His characters all spoke with a familiar cadence of someone who’s simply there to make something worth watching.

Those lucky enough to have worked with him have been sharing their condolences via social media:

I loved Anton Yelchin so much. He was a true artist – curious, beautiful, courageous. He was a great pal and a great son. I'm in ruins.

— John Cho (@JohnTheCho) June 19, 2016

https://twitter.com/OfficialKat/status/744594940403974144

https://twitter.com/ccollinsjr/status/744600494316806144

https://twitter.com/TheOrlandoJones/status/744595687254306816

Anton Yelchin just died in a car wreck. So damn sad. I met him and his Mom on a plane once. They were very sweet. https://t.co/OtkoO4HisG

— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) June 19, 2016

OMG… Nooooo! RT @TrekMovie: Breaking News: Anton Yelchin dead at age 27 – https://t.co/bICL4CawJK pic.twitter.com/8ZosMVPeKZ

— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) June 19, 2016

Oh, Anton. Such a dedicated, generous and hyper-smart young man. So grateful for the time we shared, destroyed he left so soon.

— Jeremy Saulnier (@saulnier_jeremy) June 19, 2016

Beyond sad and stunned to hear about Anton Yelchin.

So talented.

So tragic.

My thoughts are with his family and friends.

— Dane DeHaan (@danedehaan) June 19, 2016

https://twitter.com/aaronpaul_8/status/744624462847414272

https://twitter.com/ChrisEvans/status/744606716428488704

It’s a sad day for the world of film as we undoubtedly would have continued to see Yelchin continue to produce some wonderful work. However you personally mourn be it a moment of silence, prayer, being there for loved ones, or even putting on one of Yelchin’s films –  do so today in honor of a great actor taken far too soon. And by all means share your favorite memories of him in comments below.

Image: Paramount Pictures