We are very saddened to report that actress Kellie Waymire, fondly remembered as Ensign Elizabeth Cutler from the first season of Enterprise, passed away unexpectedly last Thursday evening at her home. The cause of death is still unconfirmed, but early reports indicate she died of natural causes. Kellie also appeared on Star Trek: Voyager in the episode "Muse" as Layna, the alien actress who portrayed Seven of Nine in Kelis' plays based on Torres' stories.

Waymire had been performing at Los Angeles' 24th Street Theatre in the acclaimed production of the play "Kate Crackernuts," playing one of the leads, Anne. The cast and crew of the show dedicated the production to her, issuing the following statement: "We dedicate this production of 'Kate Crackernuts' to Kellie Waymire, for without her genius and professionalism, we never could have created this kooky world of 'Kate.' In the spirit and tradition of theatre, the show must go on and we know that Kellie will be with us tonight and every night."

Waymire held a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas and graduated in 1993 from University of California, San Diego with a Masters of Fine Arts.

Besides Enterprise, her film and television credits include NYPD Blue, Six Feet Under, CSI, The Pitts and Friends. Her recent film credits include "Something More" with Tony Shalhoub and "The Vest." Her theatre credits include "American Book of the Dead" for Circle X Theatre Company, "The Man Who Had All the Luck" for Anteus and "On the Jump" at South Coast Repertory.

Kellie talked fondly of her experiences working on Star Trek and held the cast and crew in high regard. "Everybody was so warm and inviting, I really felt like I was part of the cast," she said in a 2002 interview with STARTREK.COM.

In his Nov. 19 chat on STARTREK.COM, Enterprise star Scott Bakula said, "The entire cast, crew, and staff of Enterprise was deeply saddened by the loss of Kellie Waymire... She was a beautiful, talented, and gifted young lady. She had a beautiful spirit and we all deeply miss her. We've lost a shining star in the Enterprise family."

We extend our condolences to family and friends of Kellie, as well as all those who have had the pleasure of working with her professionally. She truly will be missed.

A public memorial will be held in Los Angeles on Monday, December 8 at 8 p.m. at the UCLA Freud Playhouse, Macgowan Hall. Waymire's family has asked that any donations be sent to the Kellie Waymire Scholarship Fund, UC San Diego Foundation, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093.