Jury Awards $13 Million to Nichelle Nichols' Estate in Wrongful Death Case Against Medical Center
The estate of Nichelle Nichols, renowned for her role as Lt. Uhura in the original 'Star Trek' series, has been awarded $13 million following a wrongful death lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed against Gila Medical Center in Silver City, New Mexico, where Nichols received treatment in 2022. The jury found the medical center 40% liable for Nichols' death, while a doctor was found 60% liable. Nichols, who was 89 at the time, had a heart condition and reportedly did not receive adequate treatment during an emergency room visit. She was subsequently transferred to an assisted living facility, where she passed away hours later. Nichols was a pioneering figure in television, being the first Black woman to play a starring role on TV, and she also appeared in several 'Star Trek' films.