DeForest Kelley, the beloved "Doctor 'Bones' McCoy" on the original Star Trek series, died today at 12:15 p.m. (PT) in Woodland Hills, California. He was 79.

Kelley had been hospitalized at the Motion Picture and Television Fund Hospital for several months with a lingering illness.

Mr. Kelley is the first regular cast member of a Star Trek series to pass away.

Leonard Nimoy, longtime friend and fellow cast member, said, "He represented humanity and it fitted him well. He was a decent, loving, caring partner and will be deeply missed."

Brent Spiner ("Data"), who briefly worked with Kelley in the pilot episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, was saddened by the news. "I hadn't heard. What a loss. Maybe the nicest [person] of all involved with Star Trek. I was honored to share a scene with him."

Majel Barrett Roddenberry, widow of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, was also stunned by the news today, saying "He was truly one of the most remarkable and talented men to walk the face of the earth. This is the biggest loss that Star Trek will ever have, excluding Gene."

Kelley was born in Atlanta, Georgia on January 20th, 1920. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carolyn.

As information about services or flowers becomes available, it will be posted here in Star Trek News.