‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’s’ Aron Eisenberg Dies At 50

“Star Trek” fan favorite Aron Eisenberg has passed away at the age of 50.

His widow, Malissa Longo, shared the sad news on social media Saturday night. In her post, she shared several pictures of her alongside Aron, and wrote, “It is with extreme regret and sadness to announce that my love and best friend, @aron_eisenberg, passed away earlier today,” Malissa wrote.

“He was an intelligent, humble, funny, empathic soul. He sought to live his life with integrity and truth. He was so driven to put the best he had into whatever work was put before him,” she continued. “He lived his life with such vigor and passion. He was like a breath of fresh air, because I knew I would always hear the truth from him. Even if I didn’t want to hear it and even if the truth was inconvenient. He made me (and still makes me) want to be the best human I can possibly be, because he always strove to be the best human he could be. His resilience and willingness to learn was and is an inspiration.”

https://www.facebook.com/malissa.longo/posts/10157104112256141

Malissa shared that she and Aron had eloped in December 2018, but kept their marriage a secret until they could have a bigger ceremony with friends and family.

“We didn’t officially announce that we had eloped on December 28th, 2018. We were hoping to have a big shindig in celebration of our nuptials, but had to wait to save up the money. While, our marriage, on paper, was a short one. Our hearts had been married for far longer. I will be forever thankful for the time we had to love each other. Five years felt like a lifetime, in the best possible ways.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 19: Actor Aron Eisenberg (L) arrives for the Premiere Of CBS’s “Star Trek: Discovery” at The Cinerama Dome on September 19, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Greg Doherty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

“There will never be another light like Aron’s,” she added. “The beauty that he was and the legacy he leaves behind is beyond words. I love him dearly and will miss him eternally. At the moment I’m not sure how to do life without him…”

Marissa signed off her tribute, “He is and always will be My California.”

LAS VEGAS, NV – AUGUST 04: Actor Aron Eisenberg on day 2 of Creation Entertainment’s Official Star Trek 50th Anniversary Convention at the Rio Hotel & Casino on August 4, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)

Aron portrayed the role of Ferengi character Nog for seven seasons on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” from 1993-1999. Nog was notable for Trek fans because he was the first Ferengi to join Starfleet and quickly became a fan favorite. Aron also played Kar in “Star Trek: Voyager” episode “Initiations” in 1995.

Tributes from “Star Trek’s” cast members poured in for Aron.

Robert Picardo, who played Dr. Zimmerman in both “Deep Space Nine” and “Voyager” wrote on Twitter, “Very sad news. Aron was a kind soul, a great colleague and a beloved member in our ⁦@StarTrek family. My condolences to his family and loved ones.”

“Star Trek: Discovery’s” Anthony Rapp crossed paths with Aron at Trek’s Las Vegas convention. “I had the short but sweet pleasure of first meeting Aron at last year’s STLV. Like many others, I am shocked and saddened by this news. He immediately struck me as a lovely, open-hearted, kind, joyful man. I send my best thoughts to his wife and children.”

https://twitter.com/jeffreycombs/status/1175787611887026183

https://twitter.com/ShimermanArmin/status/1175658954380079105

Aron’s cause of death is unknown at this time. But as a teenager, the actor struggled with kidney issues, having his first kidney transplant at age 17. “Star Trek” fans will surely miss the actor.

RIP, Aron.