'Star Trek' actress Nichelle Nichols' family awarded $13 million in wrongful death lawsuit verdict

The family of Nichelle Nichols has been awarded $13 million following a lawsuit against Gila Regional Medical Center in Silver City, New Mexico, where the legendary actress was treated in 2022. The jury's verdict handed the iconic 'Star Trek' star's estate a significant sum after a case that centred on the care she received during what proved to be her final days.

According to local station KOAT 7, Nichols had a heart condition and allegedly did not receive proper treatment during a visit to the emergency room. She was subsequently transferred to an assisted living facility, where she passed away hours later at the age of 89.

How the jury divided liability

Per the verdict sheet, Gila Regional Medical Center was found 40% liable in the case, while one doctor was found 60% liable and another was found to bear no liability. Gila Medical Center has not yet responded to requests for comment on the verdict.

Who was Nichelle Nichols

Nichols was a true trailblazer in television history, best known for her role as Lt. Uhura on 'Star Trek', in which she became the first Black woman to play a starring role on an American television series. She went on to reprise the beloved character across several 'Star Trek' films cementing her place as one of the most iconic figures in science fiction and in the broader cultural history of representation on screen.

Beyond 'Star Trek' Nichols had a career that spanned decades across film and television. She appeared in projects including 'Heroes', 'Are We There Yet?' and 'Truckers', and lent her voice to animated productions over the years. Her final screen appearance came in the 2021 documentary 'Woman in Motion', which told the story of her real-life work with NASA to recruit minority and female astronaut candidates, a legacy that extended far beyond her acting career.

Disclaimer: The information in this report is based on a legal hearing as reported by a third-party source. The details provided represent allegations made by the parties involved and are not proven facts. The case is ongoing, and a final verdict has not been reached. The publication does not claim that the allegations are true.