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Andrew Koenig Killed Himself?

By John Danz Jr

The father of Andrew Koenig said the man killed himself. Koenig's body was found in a Vancouver park after disappearing without a trace on Feb. 14.

Andrew, who played Richard "Boner" Stabone on Growing Pains in the late 80's, apparently wrote a melancholy letter to his parents last week. He also reportedly sold or gave away the majority of his belongings before moving from Venice, California to Canada.

Andrew's father Walter Koenig is an actor in his own right, well-known for his role in Star Trek. He recently spoke at a press conference at Stanley Park in Vancouver. He said that Andrew quit taking his antidepressants a year ago, and that "he was obviously in a lot of pain."

According to CNN, Walter made a plea for those considering suffering allegedly the same fate: "Before you make that final decision, check it out again, and talk to someone. If you're one of those people who can't handle it anymore, you know, if you can learn anything from this, there are people out there who really care," he said. "You may not think so and ultimately it may not be enough, but there are people who really care."

Judy Koenig, Andrew's mother, speculated that Andrew had many who loved and cared for him, but "in his pain, he didn't realize it was available to him."

Andrew was also an activist. He was arrested in 2008 outside of the Rose Bowl while picketing the United States' involvement in the Olympics. He did so because China supports a repressive regime in Myanmar (Burma).

He was also an improv comedian, editor, writer, director, and producer.

Once again, I will pass along the Suicide Prevention Hotline for any of you who are contemplating suicide or know of someone contemplating suicide - that number is 1-800-273-TALK. You have this life to shape and mold - you can always make something of it.

John Danz Jr. is a work in progress, who enjoys the freedom of writing. Contact him at undertakerlives@gmail.com.