Zoe Saldana vows to keep Anton Yelchin's memory alive

Zoe Saldana has vowed to keep the memory of Star Trek co-star Anton Yelchin alive following his sudden passing on Sunday (19Jun16).

The 27-year-old, who played Chekov in the blockbuster film franchise, died within a minute of being pinned in between his vehicle and a brick pillar at his home in San Fernando Valley, California.

The freak car accident left family and friends in shock, including his Star Trek co-stars who had been preparing to promote the third instalment, Star Trek Beyond, due in cinemas next month (Jul16).

And Zoe took to Instagram on Thursday (23Jun16) to share a touching tribute to her co-star, vowing never to forget him.

"Your sudden and unexpected departure has left us all broken hearted," Zoe wrote. "I woke up today feeling absolute gratitude that I had you as a friend and colleague. Your life has been cut short, but I will always tell everyone about you. You were kind, present, old souled, curious, brilliant, funny, humble, honest, and undeniably talent.

"Good bye Anton, it was an honour to have crossed paths with you."

Zoe was on holiday in Cuba when he died, but paid tribute to Anton on Twitter hours after the news broke, writing, "Devastated by our friend's loss. We are mourning his passing and celebrating the beautiful spirit that he was. #RIPAnton."

The promotional tour for Star Trek Beyond was slated to star in Cannes, France on Wednesday (22Jun16), with a question-and-answer session at the Cannes Lions advertising exhibition.

However, studio bosses ultimately scrapped the event, which was to feature Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg and Chris Pine.