'Star Trek Online' Players Hold Memorial Vigil for Patrick Stewart

Star Trek Online players gathered for a virtual memorial in honor of Patrick Stewart, who portrayed Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and other Star Trek projects. The players assembled fleets of Galaxy-class starships in the MMORPG, some launching fireworks from orbit and others participating in candlelit vigils on the ground.

Stewart passed away on October 29 after battling Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. Redditors documented the memorials and shared their reflections on the impact Stewart had as Picard. One user wrote, "I think he was a hero... he inspired us to aspire to something better." Star Trek veteran William Shatner echoed this sentiment, expressing his admiration for Stewart and his work.

Fellow actor Ian McKellen also paid tribute to Stewart, noting his dedication and passion. Fans have called for Cryptic, the game's developer, to add an in-game statue or reference to Stewart and Picard, similar to a statue added for Leonard Nimoy after his passing. Cryptic responded with a tribute to Stewart, praising his warmth, strength, and enduring legacy.

The week has been difficult for Star Trek fans, with the recent passing of Walter Koenig, who played Ensign Pavel Chekov in the original series, also prompting virtual tributes.