'You weren't here nearly long enough': Star Trek's J.J. Abrams and Zachary Quinto lead celebrities in outpouring of grief after Anton Yelchin dies suddenly at 27 

As news broke of the tragic death of Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin on Sunday, his friends took to social media to express their grief.

Those sharing their distress included the rising star's colleagues from the Star Trek franchise, with Zachary Quinto and J.J. Abrams wasting no time in sharing memories of their friend.

'You weren't here nearly long enough,' the Star Trek director shared in a handwritten note posted to Twitter.

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'You were brilliant': Star Trek director JJ Abrams led the celebrity tributes on Sunday after Anton Yelchin passed away at just 27

Huge loss: Abrams, pictured in May 2012 with Anton, directed the young star in 2009’s Star Trek and 2013’s Star Trek Into Darkness

Family: Anton's Star Trek co-stars rushed to social media to share their devastation after Anton died in a freak car accident on Sunday morning

He added: 'You were brilliant. You were kind. You were funny as hell, and supremely talented... Missing you...'

Zachary, 39, who plays Spock in the films, also posted a heartfelt message, writing: 'our dear friend. our comrade. our anton. one of the most open and intellectually curious people i have ever had the pleasure to know.'

He continued: 'so enormously talented and generous of heart. wise beyond his years. and gone before his time. all love and strength to his family at this impossible time of grief.' 

'our dear friend. our comrade. our anton' Zachary Quinto shared a sweet tribute, calling the actor 'one of the most open and intellectually curious people i have ever had the pleasure to know'

Young talent: Zachary, 39, who plays Spock in the films, also added 'gone before his time. all love and strength to his family at this impossible time of grief,' The duo are pictured in 2008 together at the premiere of Cloverfield

The Russian-born actor - who played Chekov in the Star Trek films, including Star Trek Beyond, which has already completed production and is set for release in July - died in a freak car accident in his own driveway early Sunday morning.

In addition to the Star Trek films, Anton is known for his work in 2006's Alpha Dog, 2007 film Charlie Bartlett, and 2011's Fright Night, most recently appearing in 2015 thriller Green Room. 

John Cho, who plays Sulu in the films, took to Twitter quickly after the news broke to share his grief.

'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,' he wrote.

He followed that by posting: 'Please send your love to Anton's family right now. They need it.'

 

 'Please send your love' Anton's co-star John Cho shared his sadness at the loss, while also asking fans to send their love to the actor's grieving family

Karl Urban was shocked by the news, posting: 'I can't believe it , I m fckn hurting bad !'

The 44-year-old star portrays Bones in the franchise.

When Zoe Saldana - who plays Uhura - heard of Anton's tragic passing, she had just landed in Cuba.

Her rep gave a statement to E! News, sharing: 'She is beyond devastated and first and foremost her heart and prayers are with the Yelchin family during this time.'

 

'My deepest condolences' Star Trek stars grieved the loss from their 'family' 

Star Trek Beyond director Justin Lin shared: 'Still in shock. Rest in peace, Anton. Your passion and enthusiasm will live on with everyone that had the pleasure of knowing you.'

The Official Star Trek website also shared a message for the late star, posting: 'Please join StarTrek.com in offering our condolences to Yelchin's family, friends, colleagues and fans.'

Paramount Pictures - the film's studio - also released a statement, sharing: 'All of us at Paramount join the world in mourning the untimely passing of Antony Yelchin. As a member of the family, he was beloved by so many and he will missed by all. We share our deepest condolences with his mother, father and family.'

And stars of the TV series, Star Trek: The Next Generation shared their condolences and devastation as well.

Shocked: Fans and co-stars shared their disbelief at the tragic accident, while remembering the talented performer

LeVar Burton - who played Geordi La Forge - and Wil Wheaton - who played Wesley Crusher - seemed speechless as the former simply tweeted: 'OMG... Nooooo!' while the latter shared: 'Oh my God.' 

George Takei, who played Sulu, wrote: 'Our Star Trek family has lost one of its own. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.' 

Michael Dorn, who played Worf wrote: 'I was hoping this wasn't true. Such a talented young actor taken way too soon. Very sad.'

'Utterly heartbroken' Many wrote of Anton's talent, with Aaron Paul calling him a 'gift to this world'

And Chris Doohan, who played a Starfleet officer in the first two new films and stars in fan-created series Star Trek Continues, tweeted, 'I am so saddened by the death of Anton Yelchin. He was an amazing person. He always made me feel at home on the set. :(.'

The father of the late Leonard Nimoy (who played Spock, and passed away in 2015) shared: 'Heartbreaking to hear the news today about Anton. An incredible talent, lost much too soon. He will be missed.'

In addition to his Star Trek co-stars, celebrity friends such as Lindsay Lohan, Kat Dennings, and Anna Kendrick took to Twitter to share their shock and devastation. 

'Crestfallen' Ashley Greene lamented the loss of such as 'unique vibrant light' as celebrities continued to share tributes to the late star

'Anton Yelchin was one of my best friends. Can't say anything that conveys what this feels like,' Kat wrote. 

Anton's co-star Olivia Wilde - from 2006 film Alpha Dog - wrote: 'Anton Yelchin was a bright, brilliant talent, and a truly kind person. I was so taken by him, and won't ever forget his sweet smile. RIP.' 

Aaron Paul shared: 'I am utterly heartbroken about this terrible news. Anton Yelchin was a gift to this world. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.' 

Fellow former child star Dakota Fanning reflected on how she would always cross paths with the talented star.

Alongside a photo of the duo at a photoshoot, Dakota, 22, wrote: 'I don't remember when or why this photo was taken, but it was. Anton was someone I knew through others.

'Our paths crossed every so often and it was always a pleasure when it happened. He was as talented as he was kind. My heart breaks for his parents.' 

Crossing paths: Dakota Fanning shared a snap from a childhood photoshoot she took with the young star