Known well for his role as Richard “Boner” Stabone in the 80s sitcom “Growing Pains”, Andrew Koenig was a talented actor. His father, Walter, played the unforgettable role of “Pavel Chekov” alongside William Shatner’s “Captain Kirk” in the iconic “Star Trek” TV series. Andrew also had a “trekkie” role in “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” as well as other prominent roles in “InAlienable,” “My Two Dads,” “NonSeNse,” “G.I. Joe,” and “The Theory of Everything.”
Andrew had suffered from depression and was known to be on medication. But recently he had cleared out his L.A. apartment, given away all his belongings and announced to his friends that he was moving to Vancouver to “start over”. Most importantly at this point he had gone off his medication. The actor was last seen on February 14 in Vancouver where he was visiting friends. By the 18th, he was reported missing by his parents and they appealed to the public a few days later to help them find him.
Although Andrew was originally thought to be laying low and avoiding human contact, the family’s worst fears were realized when his body was found in a park in Vancouver a few days later. The actor had apparently taken his own life in an area of the park which was rarely visited. His father later stated that he did not suspect any foul play and that his son had indeed committed suicide.
The Koenig family has urged the public to not let this fate happen to anyone else and has appealed to them to persuade those who suffer from depression to seek help.