Maurice Edward Hurley, TNG writer and creator of the Borg, passed away Tuesday February 24 2015, at the age of 75.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]

Hurley first wrote the Borg to serve as an "unbeatable foe."Hurley produced Seasons 1 & 2 of The Next Generation. According to StarTrek.com, Hurley also wrote or co-wrote "Hide and Q," "Datalore," "11001001," "Heart of Glory," "The Arsenal of Freedom," "The Neutral Zone," "The Child," "Time Squared," "Q Who" and "Shades of Grey." He left the show by the end of Season 2, though Hurley did return as a writer for the episodes "Galaxy's Child" and "Power Play".

Hurley can be credited as the creator of the Borg, who first appeared in the episode "Q Who?". Hurley, along with director Rob Bowman and his assistant, also voiced the Borg. Hurley also co-wrote the episode “Datalore” and can be attributed, at least partially, to the introduction of Lore, as well as the Romulans to TNG.

According to producer Rick Berman, Hurley was responsible for Gates McFadden's departure in Season 2 of TNG, as he didn't like her acting and "had a bone to pick with her." She later returned in season three upon Hurley's departure from the show. Both Herbert J. Wright & Tracy Torme also cited Hurley as their reason for departing the show.

Berman tweeted about Hurley after his death, calling him "one of a kind."

Hurley also co-wrote the Canadian sci-fi film Firebird 2015 AD, as well as co-produced the 1980's TV series The Equalizer. Hurley also had a part in many other works such as Baywatch, Kung Fu: The Legend Continues, and Baywatch Nights.

Despite what troubles he had personally, or the other crew and cast members may have had with Hurley, he was responsible for some of the most iconic enemies, moments, and episode of the Star Trek series. For his contributions to the Star Trek universe, Hurley will be missed.

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