JANUARY 27, 2021 - Richard Arnold, longtime Star Trek archivist, has passed away at the age of 66. The news was announced by Star Trek designer Mike Okuda on Twitter on the morning of January 26th.

In the tweet, Okuda said, “We have just learned the sad news that Richard Arnold has passed away. Richard loved Star Trek and was president of Grace Lee Whitney's fan club before becoming an assistant to Gene Roddenberry at Paramount, where he served as Star Trek archivist for many years. He was 66.”

Several Trek stars weighed in on Arnold’s death. Star Trek: The Next Generation’s Denise Crosby said, “I am so sad hearing this! I know he had struggled with his health for the past years. Richard was my sounding board as I made #Trekkies and was a wonderful advisor and friend to our film. He knew more than anyone all things Trek!”

Marina Sirtis called him a “dear friend” and said, “I remember once he held a plane for me in St. Louis as my flight in was delayed and he knew that I had to be on the set the next morning. I don’t know how he did it but I made it to work the next day. RIP.”

Star Trek: Picard’s Jonathan Del Arco said, “Richard was my Trek mentor, he generously introduced me to all the promoters and got my convention career started when I was just 25. Very sad to see this today- Farewell friend.”

William Shatner expressed his condolences too, saying, “Richard was a long time volunteer for my Charity Horse Show event. Very sorry to learn of his passing.”

Star Trek executive producer Rod Roddenberry, son of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, also made an emotional post on Instagram, remembering Arnold. He said, “The Federation flag must fly at half mast today to honor the passing of Richard Arnold. [...] Among a sea of suits pitching ideas, Richard’s voice was the one my father most often listened to; because Richard listened to the fans. [...] He was also someone that both my father and I truly loved.” Roddenberry went on to explain that while his father considered Arnold a friend and confidant, he grew up to have his own personal friendship with him, too. “He was family,” Roddenberry said. “The loss of Richard, both for me personally and for the world of Star Trek, is ineffable.”

If you’d like to learn more about Arnold and his work with Star Trek, check out Mission Log Podcast, supplemental episode 14, where John Champion and Ken Ray interviewed Arnold about just that. Please join me in sending condolences to Arnold’s family.