The world has lost the beloved “writer of stuff.” Peter David was a prolific writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. He passed away from health complications on May 24, 2025, at the age of 68. David’s extensive career included creating 41 Star Trek comics and authoring 48 Star Trek novels. The news was announced Sunday by Peter David’s lifelong friend and colleague Keith R.A. DeCandido:
Kathleen O’Shea David, confirmed the news on social media. Peter David suffered from several chronic ailments, including kidney failure, a series of strokes, and a mild heart attack. David’s GoFundMe, which was started to help cover medical costs after being rejected by Medicaid medical insurance, had been recently reopened.
Born an Artist
Peter David has led a lifetime of profound achievement in writing and creating – a life that most artists could only dream of. After spending his childhood admiring the first Marvel superheroes and comics, he began his career as a journalist for the Philadelphia Bulletin. After limited success in journalism, he turned to fiction, being published in Asimov’s Science Fiction in 1980. Soon after, Peter David transitioned his career into book publishing, which led him into the vast world of comic books.
Among his celebrated works in the Marvel Universe, Peter David created a vast array of Star Trek comics beginning with The Original Series in 1984. Over the years, he created a total of 41 comics, catching the attention of Pocket Book’s editor Dave Stern.
Peter David published his first Star Trek novel in 1991, titled The Rift. Boasting a line of 48 Star Trek novels, he is especially known for the book series, Star Trek: New Frontier which delivered 27 titles. This book series was so popular, it sparked a line of collectible toys, bringing the stories and characters to life.
In Remembrance…
The loss of Peter David is felt throughout the Trek Central family. Members of our crew shares their sentiments.
Philip Leavenworth, Writer: “I picked up a copy of one of Star Trek New Frontier novels in 2002. I think right before Star Trek Nemesis released. I was immediately captivated by the adventures of Captain Mackenzie Calhoun (and his eventual wife) Elizabeth Shelby and their crews of the USS Excalibur and USS Trident. It was like having an entire Star Trek TV show in between my hands.”
“I was and continue to be rapt by the entire run. Peter David’s work on Star Trek New Frontier is what got me into the Star Trek Novel Verse. He helped me discover the Starfleet Corps of Engineers, Vanguard, and New Earth/Challenger. He was the gateway. His tragic loss leaves a galaxy-sized hole in the lives of many of us readers that grew up on his work. May the Great Bird of the Galaxy guide him into the next life.”
Carey Vox, writer – “Peter David smiled a lot when he signed books. He was always one of my favorite Star Trek authors, and when I had a chance to meet him during a convention in Chicago, I was overjoyed. He signed my battered copy of his novel Imzadi. At first I was going to buy a new copy for him to sign (because my copy was so worn) but a friend told me that he might enjoy seeing a book so well loved as that one. He turned the book over in his hand before opening it to the title page where he signed it. He noticed the condition and seemed happy that I read the book many times.
Although he wrote many books, Imzadi remains a favorite. He will be missed.”
J.M. Curtin, author/writer – “The career and life of Peter David is one to envy. Despite where my own career has taken me, there has always been the passion for writing that stayed in the background. There was always that dream of publishing my own novels, and being widely recognized for something I truly loved to do. Very rare does opportunity present itself for writers to become “mainstream.” As the case with most artistic endeavors, writers often need to create their own opportunities and continue to push through despite rejection and failure. Reading through Peter David’s biography, he was ruthless in his passion for writing and creating. So many times was his work rejected by the New York Times, among other publishers. He didn’t stop – he kept going, and didn’t accept defeat. In return, he left a legacy far reaching through multiple franchises and has a name easily recognizable by reading fans. I’ve always enjoyed reading his Star Trek novels. His writing style was unique and real – truly one of a kind.
From all of us at Trek Central...Thank you for your contributions, Peter David, and we’ll see you far beyond the stars.
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