Star Trek novelist Margaret Wander Bonanno has passed away at 71

Star Trek author Margaret Wander Bonanno has passed away at 71

APRIL 11, 2021 - Star Trek novelist Margaret Wander Bonanno has passed away. According to multiple sources, including Star Trek designer Mike Okuda and Star Trek novelist Dayton Ward, Bonanno’s family said she passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Thursday, April 8th. Bonanno was 71.

Bonanno was the author of several Star Trek novels, including 1987’s Strangers from the Sky, a story about humanity’s first contact with Vulcans. The story, of course, was superseded by the events of the later film Star Trek First Contact, but it remains a fan favorite nonetheless.

Outside of Star Trek, Bonanno also wrote other books including 1996’s science fiction novel Saturn’s Child (which she co-wrote with Nichelle Nichols), and 2016’s political thriller Ain’t Exactly Clear.

Dayton Ward, a fellow Star Trek author, wrote his memories of Bonanno on his blog. In it, he described how her work inspired him. He also described her as “a gifted writer with a wicked sense of humor, but also a kind soul, warm and welcoming.”

Please join me in sending condolences to Margaret Wander Bonanno’s family.