Star Trek legend Nichelle Nichols has passed away last night, July 30th, at 89 of natural causes. The announcement was made by her son, Kyle Johnson, via her website and social media. Below is the statement released by Johnson.

Dear Friends, Fans, Colleagues, World,

I regret to inform you that a great light in the firmament no longer shines for us as it has for so many years.

Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away. Her light, however, like the ancient galaxies now being seen for the first time, will remain for us and future generations to enjoy, learn from, and draw inspiration.

Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all.

I, and the rest of our family, would appreciate your patience and forbearance as we grieve her loss until we can recover sufficiently to speak further. Her services will be for family members and the closest of her friends and we request that her and our privacy be respected.

Live Long and Prosper,

Kyle Johnson

Nichols was known worldwide as Lieutenant Nyota Uhara in the original Star Trek television series. She reprised her role in six classic Trek films and an animated series. Her final franchise appearance came in 1991’s Star Trek IV: The Undiscovered Country. Recently through years of recordings, her character made a surprise cameo in the animated Star Trek: Prodigy series.

She was well known for continuously meeting and mingling with fans through a variety of conventions. She had also worked with NASA during the 70s to help them grow.

LRM Online would like to take this moment to share our condolences and deepest sympathies to Nichols’ family as they mourn the loss of their loved one. Her memory will live long and prosper in the hearts of all Stak Trek fans around the world.