Joliet resident Walter Koenig’s cause of death released

A death certificate obtained on Monday shows that Walter Koenig, the actor known for his role as Ensign Pavel Chekov in the 1960s television series Star Trek, died of a cardiopulmonary arrest. The document lists chronic diastolic congestive heart failure as the underlying cause. It also identifies acute renal failure as a contributing condition. Koenig was 90 years old when he died at his home in the North Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles last month.

Koenig first appeared on Star Trek in 1966 alongside William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. He portrayed the navigator for the U.S.S. Enterprise and occasionally served as science officer in place of Spock. The original series ran for three seasons. Its popularity increased after the show ended, leading to a cartoon series and multiple feature films. The franchise also helped establish the fan convention industry, where creators meet audiences.

Koenig’s other acting credits include the television shows Babylon 5 and Columbo, as well as the animated series Futurama. He was cremated on Oct. 30. TMZ reported that he will be buried at the same cemetery as his son, Andrew Koenig, who died in 2010.

A representative for Koenig said the actor shared his kindness, wit, and appreciation with everyone fortunate enough to meet him. The representative added that Koenig understood what Star Trek meant to people and embraced the community that grew around it.

Koenig’s death occurred shortly after the passing of another Star Trek actor. Patrick Stewart, known for his roles in Star Trek and X-Men, died on Oct. 28 at age 86. The two deaths happened within the same month.