Andrew Koenig Committed Suicide
Posted on Feb 26, 2010 @ 01:48AM
Andrew Koenig took his own life his father Walter said in a press conference Thursday.
"My son took his own life," the former Star Trek actor said while choking back tears. "He was obviously in a lot of pain."
Walter broke down and appealed to people who are suffering from depression. "If you can learn anything from this, there are people who really care."
It was a heartbreaking conclusion to a saga that began on February 14 when Andrew was last heard from. He left Los Angeles on February 4th and went to Vancouver.
PHOTOS: On The Set Of Growing Pains
Walter said that 10 people helped him search Stanley Park in Vancouver Thursday. During the search a friend phoned Walter saying that he had found Andrew's body. Walter's wife Judy was by his side during the press conference in Vancouver.
VIDEO: Andrew Koenig's Parents Walk Out On Larry King
With his voice breaking, he said: "The only other thing I want to say is, we've already said what a great guy he was, what a great human being. He was obviously in a lot of pain.
"I received an awful lot of emails, hundreds of emails from people who said he was depressed...families who said they had someone in their family who showed signs of this kind of behavior or who had in fact lost members of their family...
"If you're one of these people who feel like you can't handle it anymore, there are people out there who really care. You might not think so and ultimately it might not be enough, but there are people out there who really really care
"So before you make a final decision check it out again and talk to someone."
It's a tragic end to a heartbreaking story that started when Koenig disappeared after visiting friends on Valentines Day. He was officially reported missing after he missed a flight back to Los Angeles on February 16th.
EXCLUSIVE: Last Known Letter From Andrew Koenig
An extensive search was launched for Koenig, who was known to suffer from depression and had reportedly stopped taking his anti-depressants nearly a year ago. Friends and family rallied in their quest to locate the troubled actor, posting flyers throughout Vancouver and taking to the Internet via Twitter and Facebook in a bid to raise awareness of their plight and to try to ensure the safe return of Koenig.
EXCLUSIVE: Koenig Gave Landlord 30-Days Notice In January
As RadarOnline.com exclusively reported Koenig had given his landlord 30
days notice on his Venice, CA, apartment in January and moved out, without securing a new home, on February 4th.
In addition, Koenig had been selling off his belongings before leaving for Canada to visit friends.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Friend Of Koenig Says He's Dealt With Depression His Whole Life
In an exclusive interview with RadarOnline.com Koenig's close friend, Lance Miccio, voiced his worries about Koenig's wellbeing, sharing with RadarOnline.com that just weeks ago Koenig had ominously returned a number of personal items to Miccio, and had turned down several good job opportunities.
PHOTOS: On The Set Of Growing Pains
On Wednesday Koenig's parents had made an emotional plea for their son to contact them. With her eyes filling with tears, mom, Judy, reached out to her son, in the hope that he was still alive, "This is for Andrew. You are loved and you count and you matter.
VIDEO: Koenig's Parents Tearfully Appeal For Him To Contact Them
"Don't worry there is help, you can get through this, you have so many gifts to offer this world - and so much yet to do in this world. Look how many people love you and care about you."
Koenig was best known for his role as Richard "Boner" Stabone on the hit 80s sitcom Growing Pains. He was 42-years-old when he passed away.
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Depression is a serious illness. You can't just snap out of it. As someone who battles depression my heart breaks for Andrew and his family. If you have a family member with depression, take it seriously. PLEASE.
Posted Fri, 02/26/2010 - 3:24pm
I do not personally know Andrew, therefore my comment will not attempt to diagnose him or to second guess his personal choices. May God bless Andrew and his family forever. Andrew, you are loved.
Posted Fri, 02/26/2010 - 6:07am
It's EXTREMELY hard for depressed people to reach out to others. They are drained of all energy and all options. Call someone you care about today and remind them how much you care.
Posted Fri, 02/26/2010 - 5:14am
as a parent who has lost a son this way I send my prays to you at this time. Your son was an great actor.
love watching him on growing pains. minnetta zalman
Posted Fri, 02/26/2010 - 5:12am
I'm very sorry for your loss.
Posted Fri, 02/26/2010 - 3:21pm
It's not true. no one REALLY cares. people run away from depressed people like a disease.
Posted Fri, 02/26/2010 - 1:32am
I agree. People need to take depression seriously. You can't snap out of it. It's a chemical imbalance. A real disease and should be looked at as such.
Posted Fri, 02/26/2010 - 3:28pm
People do care,but lives get in the way-too busy or tired to deal with others' problems. If you're without hope, find SOMEONE to talk to. Have your doctor try meds until he/she gets the right med for you.
Posted Fri, 02/26/2010 - 5:13am
He had an amazing family,to be able to try and support others who are suffering in their time of need! When people are depressed it has nothing to do with their immediate family,it's what's going on in their head! RIP Andrew! You were loved!!
Posted Fri, 02/26/2010 - 1:21am
The Koenig's should be commended for their words on helping people coping with depression. Through their own pain and grief they took the time to reach out to others. - Who knows how many lives they themselves may have saved?
Posted Fri, 02/26/2010 - 12:47am