I’m shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of the wonderful Aron Eisenberg this evening.  I was fortunate to meet Aron many times over the years and he was always incredibly gracious, funny, insightful, and genuinely kind - not just to me, but to every fan.  He always greeted me by name, even if it was just passing in the hall around the convention.  When I was preparing for my first celebrity interview a few years back, I reached out to him for advice because he had always been so approachable and he responded to me personally.  Having the opportunity to share my stories with him (as well as Cirroc and Ryan) on the 7th Rule this summer has been one of the highlights of my time in fandom, and a memory I’ll always treasure.  The story of personal growth and bravery and selflessness that he told through Nog on Deep Space Nine is a story that has resonated with many, and one that continues to touch so many of us.  He was an artist in every sense of the word, and I’m so privileged to have known him in even the smallest capacity.

On one of the last nights of this year’s convention, I was sitting alone down in the casino, feeling sorry for myself about something, and Aron (with his lovely wife, Malissa) saw me and stopped to ask how I was.   That’s just the kind of person he was - so giving, even when he was obviously tired from a long week of work.  They both stayed and spoke with me for a bit and gave me hugs.  I’ll always remember that.

The world has lost a great light today.  I send my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Malissa, Aron’s children, and his family.