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Andrew Koenig Found Dead: 'My Son Took His Own Life,' Says Father

By PopEater Staff Posted Feb 25th 2010 06:36PM

Unable to hold back sobs during a dramatic press conference, Walter Koenig confirmed that his son Andrew had taken his own life and had been found in Vancouver's Stanley Park on Thursday morning.

The younger Koenig was discovered during a search party consisting of friends and family.

"My son took his own life," an emotional Walter Koenig told a rapt press corp.

"The only other thing I want to say is, we've already said what a great guy he was, what a great human being," Koenig said before breaking down into tears. "He was obviously in a lot of pain."

Andrew Koenig, best known for playing "Boner" on 'Growing Pains,' had been missing since February 14. Despite many police searches in the area, he was not seen in the densely wooded marsh where he was eventually found.

Police declined to give many details of the discovery out of "respect for the family." A police spokesperson did add that foul play was not suspected.

Koenig, 41, missed his flight out of the Olympic host city last week, according to a statement from TV host Dave Holmes on MaximumFun.org.

Neighbors at the 41-year-old's Venice, Calif., apartment complex told PEOPLE he moved out several weeks ago before heading to Vancouver, B.C., to visit friends. "He cleared out his apartment," about three weeks ago, neighbor Mark Clough told PEOPLE. "It started off as a garage sale, and eventually, he put everything out in front of the apartment, like he was giving it away."

Koenig's friend Lance Miccio told RadarOnline.com that the apparent suicide mirrors the death of a character in a film Koenig helped edit. "We did that 'Living the Blues' film. And it's been like my own personal nightmare," said Miccio, who directed the film. "Knowing that we made this film and I'm watching the scenario of it play out in front of me."

"Allen Wilson, who the film was about, shared a lot of Andrew's character traits, tendencies, maybe genetic makeup," Miccio added. "So when this happened, you know the first thing I thought of was this film we did together and the situation being the same scenario ... It's devastating. I'm in shock still."

Andrew's father Walter played Chekov in the 'Star Trek' TV series and films. The elder Koenig told PEOPLE he received a note from Andrew on February 16, but it did nothing to alleviate his concerns.

"He sounded despondent," said Walter. "Nobody has seen this [note] but my wife and I."

"He went to visit some friends in Toronto and after there, he went to Vancouver," explained his father. "It's a place where he felt very comfortable. He lived there for a few years."

Later on Feb 24, Walter Koenig said during a press conference that, if anything, he just wants to know if his son is alive. "I just want to know you're okay ... If it means you just want to stay here, that's okay. You don't have to come back. Just let us know that's your intention."

While in Vancouver, Andrew was staying with burlesque artist Jenny Magenta, who took to Facebook last week to ask for help in finding Koenig. Numerous celebrity friends used social media to aid the search, including Sarah Silverman, Alyssa Milano and Felica Day. Comedian Joel McHale wrote, "No joke, here. 'Soup' family friend Andrew Koenig missing in Vancouver."

His 'Growing Pains' co-star Kirk Cameron offered help earlier this week. "I am praying for his family during this time of distress and for his safe return," Cameron said in a statement, reports PEOPLE. "Andrew, if you're reading this, please call me."

Tags: andrew koenig

Comments

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Thursday 25 February

By JudeThom

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Lots of Satanic activity in Vancouver--there are many
covens. But Kirk Cameron is a jerk.

Thursday 25 February

By kevin

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Jude Thom ..... Please take a nice long walk in the park tonight

Friday 26 February

By jt Man

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I recently lost a brother.Than my mother with in 2 months.I feel your sorrow.

Thursday 25 February

By JudeThom

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Lots of Satanic activity in Vancouver--there are many
covens. But Kirk Cameron is a jerk.

Thursday 15 April

By Kevin

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I HATE IT WHEN A BONNER DOESNT GET A HAPPY ENDING!!!!!

Thursday 25 February

By JudeThom

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Lots of Satanic activity in Vancouver--there are many
covens. But Kirk Cameron is a jerk.

Thursday 25 February

By Amused

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Hey Kirk, it looks like he was raptured without you. How does it feel to be "Left Behind?"

Monday 01 March

By Margaret

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YOU JERK!!!!!You better watch or GOD WILL send you to Hell!!!

Saturday 27 February

By Kevin

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Amused .... you suck ass, burn in hell where trash like you belongs

Thursday 25 February

By LolaMarie

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Too many friends a little too late. No doubt he had friends but a person can feel so alone sometimes even though he or she is loved. So sad to loose someone to loneliness. Someone who was as bright and young as he. My thoughts are with his family. I lost my brother and I always thought I was his best friend. I didn't have a clue till they told me he was gone. I have been angry with him and myself. Why didn't I know. Why didn't he tell me. Very hard and I am still trying to deal with it. I only hope the press gives the family the privacy the so need and deserve. I can only leave the family with this:

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die

Friday 26 February

By vickie

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...beautiful

Friday 26 February

By Marianne

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I thought that was beautiful

Friday 26 February

By hedgelaw

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beautiful thoughts- who is the author?

Tuesday 02 March

By mel

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that was beautiful and so true!

Thursday 25 February

By JudeThom

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Lots of Satanic activity in Vancouver--there are many
covens. But Kirk Cameron is a jerk.

Thursday 25 February

By Diana

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Depression robs you of your life. I understand this place a person goes to. It is very difficult to describe if you haven't been there. My heart goes out to his family.

Thursday 25 February

By jean

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This is so sad.My prayers go out to his family.

Thursday 25 February

By rem

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I hope he's at peace...mental illness is no joke!
My prayers are with his family.

Thursday 25 February

By Dale

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There are few things sadder in this world than when a parent must bury their child. It is time to end our strife with our friends and family and make peace with them because life is fleeting and some things can't be done tomorrow. Maybe it's time to call your parents and or children and tell them you love them.

Thursday 25 February

By shilohdream

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That is so sad. I remember this kid so clearly from Growing Pains. But I don't get it. When they say "body found" either it looks like him or it doesn't look like him. Im sure his body had a face attached. And he was a very handsome young man with long hair. Either it's him or it's not him. Why is it when a body is found they don't know if its that person. All you have to do is look at the face. I don't get it. But I do give my condolences.

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