It is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of Thomas Deishley, known to Trek fans as General Motog from Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas. Deishley was found dead in his home in Las Vegas from an apparent gun shot wound. He was found during a welfare check after friends reported that they had not been able to get a hold of him for several days. Police say there was evidence of a break-in. Friend of Deishley and Star Trek: The Experience historian Vernon Wilmer recently posted a video tribute to Tom. Click more to see it, but have your tissues ready.



Save us a spot in Stovokor, Tom!

Tom Deishley was loved by many, including many of us here at TrekMovie. He played the beloved General Motog at Star Trek: The Experience for its entire 10 year run, and he brought Star Trek to life for so many fans. It is always tragic when a man like Tom dies, but given the circumstances in this case, it is even more upsetting. What we can say for certain is that Tom Deishley died with honor. Q’plah!

His long time friend and Star Trek: The Experience co-worker April Hebert told TrekMovie how devastated all of Tom’s friends are.

“Tom Deishley was a cast member at Star Trek: the Experience from its very beginning, and has been an integral part of our Trek family for over 15 years. He was always the consummate performer; his character, Dahar Master General Motog, was a proud, gruff, and honorable old warrior who truly embodied the Klingon way. He had quite a devoted following; even a brief interaction with the General was something a guest would not soon forget! Although The Experience has been closed for more than five years, the friendships we made have continued, strong as ever, bound by our love of all things Star Trek and of the amazing experience we shared with our guests at the Hilton Timestation for that unforgettable decade. At every meetup or party, Tom was there, sometimes tired due to medical issues, but always his lovable, irascible self. Tom has been stolen from us; we are sad and very angry, but determined to remain close, honor him and cherish the memories that we created together and shared with fans throughout the world.”

News Reports about Deishley

Local Las Vegas news stations have been airing Tom’s story. Below are videos from Fox 5 and News 3.

FOX5 Vegas – KVVU

