Jeep to investigate whether 'Star Trek' actor Anton Yelchin's death was related to previous recall
As tragic as Anton Yelchin's untimely death was, there's chance it could have been prevented with a Jeep recall repair. And Jeep's parent company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is looking into it.
Following the news of Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin's death Sunday afternoon, CBS News reported Monday that the 27-year-old actor was crushed by his own car -- a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
According to that report, Yelchin's Jeep rolled backward, pinning him against a brick mailbox. After that report, FCA has said that it will lead a "thorough investigation" into the actor's death, according to Automotive News.
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While it's unclear what exactly allowed the Jeep to roll away, it could be related to a recall FCA initiated in late April.
Specifically, the recall was to repair a confusing shifter mechanism. Drivers were having trouble with the shifters because, unlike traditional mechanical shifters, this one is electronic. That means, doing the same movement with the shifter doesn't always get it into the desired position. Sometimes a move forward would put it into Park. Other times, it would select Reverse.
Here's how FCA explained it, "Gear-selection is conveyed to the driver by multiple sets of indicator lights, not gear-selector position."
When not operated correctly, the affected models -- including the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee -- could roll away. Along with the mailed recall notices, Fiat Chrysler also alerted owners to refer to their owners manual for exact instructions on how to safely operate the shifter.
If Yelchin's death was indeed caused by his failing to get the transmission into Park, it could be the first known death related to the recall. At the time of the first notice of the recall, the confusing shifters had caused 41 injuries, according to FCA.
We do not yet know if Yelchin's Jeep was indeed a 2015 model year or whether his car's VIN was apart of the recall. Since FCA is investigating it, however, there's good chance it was affected by the recall.
This story is developing and we will update, as we learn more.
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