SILVER CITY, N.M. —

The estate of Nichelle Nichols has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Gila Regional Medical Center in Silver City, New Mexico, where she died at the age of 89, on July 30, 2022. The nine-page lawsuit argues GRMC "fostered an environment which prevented Ms. Nichols from being diagnosed and treated properly."

Nichols made history as the first African-American woman to portray a lead role on television as Lt. Nyota Uhura in the original "Star Trek" series.

MORE: Nichelle Nichols, Lt. Uhura on 'Star Trek,' has died at 89

CBS Photo Archive Getty Images Nichelle Nichols, starred as Lt. Uhora in Star Trek.

On Friday, Sept. 19, KOAT spoke with Nichols' attorney, Lisa Curtis, regarding the reasoning for the suit and how they plan to move forward with the case.

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