Jeri Taylor, influential Star Trek writer and first female showrunner, dies at 86

Jeri Taylor, a key figure in the Star Trek franchise, passed away at 86. She was instrumental in the success of *Star Trek: The Next Generation* and became the first female showrunner for a live-action Star Trek series during its final season. Taylor's contributions included developing *Star Trek: Voyager*, which aimed to create a fresh narrative by stranding the USS Voyager far from Earth. She emphasized teamwork among the crew and introduced strong female characters, notably Captain Janeway, who became the first female captain to lead a Star Trek series. Her leadership and mentorship shaped the franchise, allowing it to thrive and evolve. Taylor's legacy continues through the stories and characters she created, influencing future generations of Star Trek storytellers.