Body of missing Growing Pains actor Andrew Koenig found in park

Tragedy: Former Growing Pains actor Andrew Koenig was found dead in Vancouver yesterday


Former Growing Pains actor Andrew Koenig was found dead yesterday in a wooded area of a Vancouver park apparently after committing suicide.


His body was found by friends around midday yesterday near a footpath in Stanley Park, a large expanse of grass, trees and tourist attractions near the centre of the Olympic city.

The 41-year-old son of Star Trek actor Walter Koenig, who played Pavel Chekov on the original Star Trek TV series, was visiting friends when he went missing.

It was after his father received a despondent letter from his son that the family reported his disappearance to the authorities.

The actor's father said after his son's body was found that Andrew was depressed and 'my son took his own life'.

'He was obviously in a lot of pain'.

A police spokeswoman said, 'I'll let Mr Koenig's words speak for themselves.'

She added foul play was not involved before adding she could not be more specific because the coroner was taking over the investigation.

William Shatner, who played the original Captain Kirk alongside Mr Koenig, said his thoughts were with his friend.


This is one of the missing person posters put up in Vancouver after Andrew disappeared while visiting friends in the city


'My deepest sympathies to Andrew Koenig's family,' he said. 'I will grieve with them.'

Andrew Koenig starred in the 1980s sitcom as Richard 'Boner' Stabone, a friend of Kirk Cameron's character, Mike.

On hearing of his co-star's death, Mr Cameron said: 'It is with great sorrow to hear about the final outcome of the search for my old friend Andrew. I hope everyone will be sensitive to the Koenigs and give the family some private time to reflect and to grieve the loss of their beloved son.


Grief: Star Trek actor Walter Koenig and wife Judith in Vancouver yesterday after the discovery of his son's body. He said his depressed son had committed suicide


: The 73-year-old actor pauses during the press conference


'At a time like this, we all are reminded of the briefness of life and the importance of being ready for our eternal destination. My prayers will continue to be with Andrew's family.'

Koenig's disappearance caused friends including actress Alyssa Milano, actor Kirk Cameron and comedian Sarah Silverman to post comments online or put out statements seeking information on his whereabouts.

On his father's website, Koenig's parents posted a long description of their son, including the fact that he had been suffering from clinical depression when he disappeared.


Young star: Koenig (right) had a recurring role on the 1980s sitcom as Richard 'Boner' Stabone, a friend of star Kirk Cameron's character, Mike


Stanley Park in Vancouver. Police sent out three search-and-rescue teams to find Koenig. Friends and family decided to try again on their own yesterday which was when his body was found


He hadn't been seen since Valentine's Day when he was visiting friends in the Canadian city.

He was supposed to return home two days later but failed to catch his flight to the US. His parents reported him missing then asked the public for help finding him a few days later.

Vancouver police posted up missing posters around Vancouver and launched three search-and-rescue teams to look for any signs of Koenig throughout Stanley Park, believed to be one of his favourite places in the city.

Vancouver Police Constable Tim Fanning revealed that Koenig's bank card and mobile phone had been used since the day he went missing, but did not disclose when or where they were used.

Friends and family decided to try again on their own yesterday and one of them found Koenig's body near a marsh in a heavily wooded area set off a bridle path.

Police said the body could not be seen from the walking path.


Walter Koenig (third from left) stands alongside the Star Trek cast. William Shatner (centre), who played the original Captain Kirk alongside Koenig, said today his thoughts were with his friend


Koenig played the role of Pavel Chekov in the original Star Trek series


Mr Koenig was nearby when his son's body was found.
Hours later, he and his wife, Judith, issued a statement at a police station in the park.

They said Andrew had been depressed and urged others who are having trouble coping to seek help. Earlier they had said that he had seemed detached to his friends and had given away his belongings.

'If you are one of those people who can't handle it any more, know people are out there who really care before you make that final decision,' Mr Koenig said.

'Talk to somebody.'

Koenig was born in August 1968 in Los Angeles and has one sister, Danielle.
From 1985 to 1989, he had a recurring role as Richard 'Boner' Stabone, best friend to Kirk Cameron's character Mike Seaver in the first four seasons of the ABC sitcom Growing Pains.

During those four years, he also guest starred on episodes of the sitcom My Sister Sam and My Two Dads as well as the drama 21 Jump Street, which also starred Johnny Depp.

In the early 1990s he provided a voice for the animated series G.I. Joe and in 1993 had a minor role as Tumak in a Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode called 'Sanctuary'.

He also took part in some humanitarian work in Burma in July 2007, visiting Burmese refugee camps with his father as part of the US Campaign for Burma.

In January 2008, he was arrested and briefly held for civil disobedience after taking part in a protest against the Communist Party of China's political and financial support of the military dictatorship in Burma.

Entering the 119th Tournament of Roses Parade, he stood in front of a Chinese float promoting the 2008 Beijing Olympics carrying a sign that read 'China: Free Burma' in both English and Chinese.

His father had praised his son for his acting, film editing and directing work, and said he was also a busy environmental activist.


Father and son: Walter and Andrew in 2000. Koenig praised his son for his acting, film editing and directing work


source: dailymail