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Andrew Koenig – actor, director, writer, producer, editor, activist - passed away this month in Vancouver, British Columbia after a long battle with depression.Former co-stars and Star Trek actors have been publicly expressing their sympathy on Twitter.
A funny, caring, gifted, passionate and multi-talented young man, Andrew was best known as “Boner” in the 1980’s sitcom “Growing Pains”. He was the video producer for the podcast “Never Not Funny”, performed at The Improv in Los Angeles, and has had roles in the movies NonSeNse, InAlienable, The Theory of Everything, Batman: Dead End, and on television in “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”, “G.I. Joe”, “My Two Dads”, “21 Jump Street”, “My Sister Sam”, and “Adam-12”. He edited over a dozen films and directed, produced, and wrote many others.
Andrew was an activist his entire life and was best known to those who knew and loved him as a compassionate, ethical man who lived according to his conscience. He was a vegan, active in environmental causes, and in animal and human rights and was quick to take an active role to help on a grass roots level. Most recently, he had been working on behalf of the people of Burma, and was arrested during the 2008 Rose Bowl parade for protesting American involvement in China's Olympics due to China's support of the Burma military regime.
Andrew’s disappearance caused a worldwide campaign of support and search efforts by those who were lucky to be his friends and by those whose lives he touched. A beautiful human being, Andrew died in his favorite city, filled with friends, in a park he loved.
"RIP Andrew Koenig, missing since Valentine's Day, was found dead in Vancouver, Canada," Alyssa Milano tweeted. She also urged her followers to help anyone they know with similar issues to Koenig's: "If you know someone suffering from depression, please do everything in your power to get them help. R.I.P. Andrew."
With Andrew's dad, Walter Koenig, part of the original "Star Trek" cast and Andrew himself a guest star on "Deep Space Nine," many members of the sci-fi show's family reached out online. William Shatner offered condolences to his onetime co-star for the loss of his son. "My deepest sympathies to Andrew Koenig's family," he tweeted. "I will grieve with them."
"Star Trek: Next Generation" star LeVar Burton also took to Twitter: "Offering prayers for Walter & Judy Koenig as well as their beloved son, Andrew..."
Wil Wheaton, who also starred on "Next Generation," was stunned by the news. "Oh my god," he tweeted. "I just heard that Andrew Koenig's body has been found in Vancouver. He was only 41. My heart goes out to his family."
Milano offered some comfort to her fellow grieving tweeters. "~GROUP HUG~ Get in," she wrote.
Walter Koenig made this expression for others affected by depression:
“My son took his own life. If your one of those people who feel they can’t handle it any more, if you can learn anything from this: it’s that there are people out there who really care. You might not think so…but there are people who really, really care. And before you take that final decision, check it out again…talk to somebody. And for those families who have members who they fear are susceptible to this kind of behavior, don’t ignore it, don’t rationalize it. Extend a hand."
