I was just reading an Akiva Goldsman interview on Dark Horizons and he name dropped a few TNG regulars' names. I'll leave the quote in spoiler tags just in case. Spoiler "Q's kind of a great lightning rod for that because in some ways he’s one of Picard’s deepest – not deep in the same way that Riker is or Beverly Crusher was – but in its own uniquely, profoundly deep relationship." (Emphasis mine) Did Goldsman slip up and let us know Bev is dead?
Spoiler He might have just said ‘is’ when referring to Riker because Riker was actually in the show, as opposed to Crusher, who wasn’t. He could have easily said ‘was’ when referring to Geordi or Worf as well.
I think you are reading into the quote things that are not there........was/is.....or maybe he used paste tense to throw you OFF the scent. We will know when we know.
IIRC, that was necessitated by real world considerations, specifically Gates McFadden had surgery scheduled for when that episode was being filmed.
The producers have said that Picard is not just going to be a parade of cameos. The people who appear on Picard have to serve a function in the story.
I don't think Spoiler Dr. Crusher is dead, but I was disappointed she wasn't even referenced during the first season. My hunch has always been that if Beverly does appear, it won't be until the final season because I'm assuming they'd want to address the relationship between them. Gates McFadden, like LeVar Burton, has hinted that producers of Picard have at least spoken to her about possibly appearing at some point. .