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'Growing Pains' star Andrew Koenig committed suicide, confirms father [Updated]
The body of missing "Growing Pains" actor Andrew Koenig was discovered in a Vancouver area park today (Thu. Feb. 25), the actor's father has confirmed."My son took his own life." Walter Koenig, Andrew's father, said at today's press conference.
A private group of family and friends, including his father, discovered his body in a wooded area of Stanley Park around noon today. His father did not find the body, but he was nearby. Police were summoned to the scene soon after.
While foul play is not suspected, a police spokeswoman would not release an official cause of death pending a coroner's investigation.
"He was obviously in a lot of pain," his father says while holding back tears.
Both Walter and Judith Levitt Koenig reached out to those who are suffering from depression and hopes they learn from Andrew's death that there are people out there who care. Friends and family previously reported that the actor was severely depressed and had stop stopped taking his prescribed medication.
"And for those families that have members that they fear are susceptible to this kind of behavior," Walter Koenig says. "Don't ignore it. Don't rationalize it. Extend a hand."
The family asks that their privacy be respected at this time.
Koenig played Richard "Boner" Stabone, best friend to Kirk Cameron's character Mike Seaver on the late 1980s sitcom.
It had been 11 days since friends last saw Andrew Koenig on Valentine's Day (Sun. Feb. 14). He was reported missing Thu. Feb. 18 after missing his flight home to the L.A. area on Tue. Feb. 16. His cellphone was last used that same day. The Koenigs had arrived in Vancouver this past Tue. Feb. 23 to assist in the search.
They appeared on the "Today" show Wed. Feb. 24 to appeal for information on their son's whereabouts. A planned appearance on "Larry King Live" was delayed that evening and the Koenigs left in frustration without going on the air.
This past weekend, Andrew Koenig's friends and other celebrities took to Twitter, Facebook and blogs to let people know that Andrew was missing. Former costar Kirk Cameron released a statement on Mon. Feb. 22 expressing his concern for Koenig's well being and asking Koenig to contact him.
Friends revealed on record that in the weeks leading up to the Vancouver trip, Koenig sold or gave away his belongings, gave notice on his Venice apartment and paid his final rent.
Watch Walter Koenig, father of the late Andrew, at the press conference.
Follow Zap2it's Dish Rag on Twitter, @TheRealJethro on Twitter and Zap2it on Facebook for the latest celeb news and buzz.
Related:
Zap2it First: Andrew Koenig's parents left frustrated with 'Larry King Live,' says sister
Andrew Koenig's parents walk out on 'Larry King Live'
Zap2it first: Reports of new electronic evidence in Andrew Koenig case are false, says sister
'Growing Pains' star Kirk Cameron to Andrew Koenig: 'Please call me'
Zap2it First: 'Growing Pains' star Andrew Koenig missing, confirms sister [Updated]
Photo credit: Cawley Entertainment Company / Retro Film Studios
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very sad.
Very sad for the family and friends- Tim, as usual, you make me want to gag. I'm reporting you to the blogmaster again and every time from now on since you have no respect for anyone else and their hard work
A tragic story and here comes "Tim" trying to sell some old DVDs. Disgusting. The links by "Tim" are spam. Why aren't they deleted by Zap2it moderators? Oh, right, there aren't any moderators!
This news really is sad, my heart goes out to his friends and family. Rest in peace Andrew.
Most of the Depression medications never help anything and actually fry your brain out....Sad!
The "Batman" curse continues.
R.I.P. ANDREW, PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY & FRIENDS. GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.
No one deserves to die.
That being said, he was in Vancouver protesting the Olympics.
Protesting the Olympics!!
4 years ago he was protesting the Beijing Olympics!
A professional agitator with no job and a wealthy father.
Masked, creating havoc and suddenly he is missing and people expect the police, yep, the same police who are trying to protect everyone's safety from real terrorists but have to put up with these people, to go look for him.
No one deserves to die, but maybe this agitator needed his butt beat.
I feel so saddened by this story. I also know how he felt as I have battled depression all my life. I only seeked treatment one time which did not help me much as I was put on lithium. Now 20 years later I still suffer a lot from depression . I may seek treatment again but as anyone knows medications cost money. this is why so many people dont get help either. Its too expensive for medications. But I pray for anyone with this illness. It can really make you think so bad about things, and you are completely hopeless, and extremely tired and sad. I can relate 100% You feel also that people dont care or want to hear how bad you feel. So many times you are actually alone with no support.
It's called freedom of speech ... check into it. And just because a person exercises their right to assembly does not mean they forfeit the right to have law enforcement protect and serve them.
Wealth is not an indicator of happiness. He obviously needed help and that knows no social status.