Los Angeles, Aug 3 (IANS) A recall notice for a Jeep Grand Cherokee was mailed to actor Anton Yelchin seven days after he was killed in an accident, his family's attorney said.
Anton's parents, Viktor and Irina Yelchin, filed a wrongful death lawsuit on Tuesday against the vehicle's manufacturer, Fiat Chrysler, as well as ZF North America, which manufactured the gear shift. Fiat Chrysler recalled more than 800,000 vehicles in April, after receiving hundreds of rollaway complaints.
"The safety recall was way too little and way too late. They should have never used this device," attorney Gary Dordick said at a press conference in Beverly Hills, reports variety.com.
Yelchin died on June 19 when he was pinned by his vehicle against an entrance post at his Studio City home. The LAPD and Fiat Chrysler are still investigating the death, but it appears that it could be the first fatality related to the rollaway issue.
Yelchin's parents also appeared at the press conference and offered an emotional remembrance of their son.
"He was our only son. It is against nature when a parent buries his own child," Viktor said.
"He never cared about being a star," Irina said, wiping tears from her eyes.
"He loved life very much. His death is going to save some other life," she added.