Peter David, the beloved and prolific author, whose work included many Star Trek novels and comic books, has died at the age of 68, according to a statement from his wife posted on social media. Kathleen O’Shea David wrote, “Since it is out there. Peter David passed away last night. We are devastated. More when I can write about it.” Based on the timing of the note, David passed away on Sunday, May 23.
David penned more than 75 Star Trek adventures over the years. His books included titles in The Original Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, New Frontier, Starfleet Academy, and Mirror Universe series, including Imzadi, a TNG novel widely considered one of the best, if not the best, of any Star Trek tales ever told, and several TNG books focused on Q, the audionovel versions of which Q actor John de Lancie provided the narrations. He wrote 25+ Star Trek TOS comics for DC , four TNG titles, five New Frontier installments, and more. He also co-wrote Beam Me Up, Scotty, the autobiography of the franchise’s original Scotty, James Doohan, with the actor.
His non-Star Trek work spanned from books and comic books, both original and tie-ins, as well as audiobooks, to videogames and episodes of television shows, most notably the sci-fi comedy Space Cases, which he co-created with Lost in Space star and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine guest actor, Bill Mumy. Among the titles he worked on: Spider-Man, Hulk, Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Dark Tower, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor. He also appeared in a few films, notably the cult-favorite Oblivion, which starred several Star Trek actors, including George Takei, Meg Foster, Carel Struycken, Musetta Vander, and Julie Newmar.
Sadly, David experienced bad health starting in 2012, when he suffered a stroke. He worked his way back from that, but later contended with diabetes, a heart attack, back problems, pneumonia, kidney failure, and assorted other maladies, all of which took their toll. His wife updated the writer’s fans via a GoFundMe campaign during the last days of his life. Her most recent update was provided on May 20.