The gear shifters in Anton Yelchin’s SUV are being looked at as the possible culprit in the accident that killed the 27-year-old actor on Sunday.
Most 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee are part of a global recall that was announced by Fiat Chrysler, who makes Jeeps, in April due to a confusing electronic shift lever.
“FCA US extends its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Yelchin,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “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.”
Yelchin was killed after his Jeep rolled backwards, pinning him against a brick mailbox at his Studio City home. He was discovered by friends early Sunday morning.
According to SafeCar, the recall states:
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2011, to November 27, 2014, and 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 16, 2012, to December 22, 2015. The affected vehicles, equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a monostable gear selector, may not adequately warn the driver when driver’s door is opened and the vehicle is not in PARK, allowing them to exit the vehicle while the vehicle is still in gear.
Consequence:
Drivers thinking that their vehicle’s transmission is in the PARK position may be struck by the vehicle and injured if they attempt to get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged.
Stay tuned to TrekNews.net for more on this developing story.