Anton Yelchin Is to Blame For His Own Death, Chrysler Says
A Valencia, California, Chrysler dealership has requested a lawsuit brought against them by the parents of the late actor Anton Yelchin be dismissed.
The dealership argues that Anton — who died in a freak accident earlier this year, after being pinned against a brick mailbox and security fence by his Jeep Grand Cherokee — is at fault for his death, which they allege was the result of his own “misuse, misapplication, or damage” of the vehicle, according to TMZ.
Chrysler also claims the Star Trek actor’s parents didn't keep the car in the same condition it was at the time of their son's death, which could tamper any evidence that might lend credence to their wrongful death suit.
Victor and Irina Yelchin filed a lawsuit against Fiat Chrysler in August, claiming the gear selector in Anton’s car was defective. The vehicle was recalled by the company along with 1.1 million others after multiple vehicles rolled away without warning, causing several injuries among car owners --
The Yelchin family’s attorney, Gary Dordick, alleges the company was well aware of issues with the gearshift and says a notice from Fiat arrived at Anton’s home seven days after his death.
“It’s against nature when parents bury their own child,” said Victor Yelchin at a news conference. “That’s why we hope this lawsuit will make other families never go through the same hell we are going through right now.”
Anton’s body was discovered around 1 AM on June 19 when his friends found him pinned by his car in his driveway. He was 27 years old.
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