UPDATED: Andrew Koenig Found Dead – Apparent Suicide February 25, 2010
by TrekMovie.com Staff , Filed under: Celebrity , trackback
UPDATED: At a press conference held Thursday evening, Vancouver Police have confirmed that they have found the body Walter Koenig’s son Andrew. According to Walter Koenig, Andrew committed suicide. See below for more.
UPDATE: Koenig "My son took his own life"
At the press conference going on right now (watch live at http://live.cnn.com/) Walter Koenig confirmed that Andrew’s body was found today at noon in Stanley Park. The search was conducted by a number of Andrew’s friends, with Koenig. After one of the friends found a body, Walter came to and identified the body.
Koenig noted his son was "troubled" and then emotionally stated "My son took his own life". The Star Trek actor then said the family hopes this event will be a lesson to those who have considered suicide, to learn that "people still love you."
Constable Janna McGuinness of the Vancouver police confirmed the details of the investigation and said that the park had been searched before by the police, but it was today’s search by friends and family that discovered the body. MCGuinness also said that foul play is not being considered, but said that a cause of death will be determined by the coroner.
Judith and Walter Koenig at news conference Thursday afternoon
(CTV)
UPDATE 2: Trek stars pay respect via Twitter
Star Trek actors William Shatner and Wil Wheaton have expressed their condolences via Twitter:
WilW: Oh my god. I just heard that Andrew Koenig’s body has been found in Vancouver. He was only 41. My heart goes out to his family.
WilliamShatner: My deepest sympathies to Andrew Koenig’s family. I will grieve with them.
LeVarBurton: Offering prayers for Walter & Judy Koenig as well as their beloved son, Andrew….
Original story: Body found believed to be Andrew Koenig
According to the reports a body was discovered in Vancouver’s Stanley Park around noon on Thursday. Police believe the body is that of Andrew Koenig. The are of the Park was Koenig’s last known location and has been the focus of search efforts. A news conference is scheduled for 5:00 PM and Walter Koenig and his wife are expected to attend.
Andrew Koenig has been missing since February 14th after visiting friends in the Vancouver area. Walter Koenig and his wife Judith flew up to Vancouver this week to help in the search effort.
More at ctvbc.ctv.ca and vancouversun.com.
Vancouver Police van parked in the area where the body was discovered
(CTV)
The thoughts and prayers of all of us at TrekMovie.com are with the Koenig family today.
Please also visit walterkoenigsite.com to see their tribute to Andrew and you can also leave a message on their forum with your well-wishes for the family
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Comments»
Oh no. Worst possible news. Condolences to the Koenig family. We all feel their sorrow and pain.
:-( The Koenig family is in my thoughts and prayers
and there was some small hope that he was just lying low, really unfortunate. it must be horrible on walter and family
Terrible end to a very sad story. God Bless his family and friends.
that sucks
Terrible news. I think we all wish nothing but love, blessings and good wishes to Walter and his family.
My condolences to walter and his family, This is terrible news. :(
Prayers and best wishes to the family at this time…
My deepest condolences are sincerely offered. May Andrew find peace at last.
It is a very sad day.
Sad News. My thoughts are with the Koening family.
To the koenig family goes my love,my prayers for the days to come. Also know that Andrew is in a happier though I know he will be missed by those who loved him.
Very very sad news. Rest in Peace. And to the Koenig family, all my hopes. The death of a son is something I would never want to have happen to anyone.
This is so tragic. My condolences to the Koenig family. :-/
According to CNN, the body found was Andrew Koenig. I’m sure we’ll find out more at the press conference.
This is indeed a sad day. My condolences go out to the entire Koenig family.
I also feel that the Vancouver Police should be commended for their diligent search and all of their efforts to find Andrew Koenig. I wish it turned out differently.
Damn! That’s sad. Sorry to hear that.
Very sad.
Such a sad end to this. I pray for Walter and his family.
I met him way back in 1983 during a convention in Phoenix; he was one of the most gracious, humble actors I ever met. He spent a good twenty minutes talking to me about the craft of acting… just a really nice man, and I hope he and his family can find some comfort during this ordeal.
Yancy
Sadness beyond words…..my thoughts with the family and friends
Wow. All the previous reports said they thought he was just hanging out with friends…..This is shocking news. My condolences to Walter and his family.
This is so sad.
Sad news. An unfortunate ending to a tragic ordeal.
Poor Boner.
This is so very sad. My prayers are with the family and friends. r.i.p. Andrew.
Deepest condolences to the Koenigs.
Condolences to the Koenigs.
.
My deepest sympathies to the Koenigs.
My deepest sympathies and prayers for the Koenig family. This is just pain greater than any parent should have to bear.
So very sad. My thoughts and sympathies to Walter, Judy, and Danielle as they deal with this tragic news.
I am so sorry to hear this very sad news. My thoughts are with the Koenigs.
Deepest condolences to the Koenig family.
Just confirmed on the local news – the body found is Andrew Koenig. :( Press conference @ 6PM Pacific, by police and Andrew’s parents.
My condolences to the family.
/bow
My sincerest condolences.
Very sad news indeed.
Deepest sympathies for Walter and his family.
my heart goes out to the koenig family tonight R.I.P Andrew Koenig “live long and prosper”
My deepest sympathies to the Koenig family…
How tragic.
My sincere sympathies to the Koenig family.
It’s been confirmed.
Walter: “He took his own life.”
Absolute tragedy.
Our deepest and most respectful condolences to The Koenig family in this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
Terrible news. I will keep the Koenig family in my thoughts and prayers.
I just saw the live stream on CNN about it. My condolences to the Koenigs for their loss.
My condolences to the Koenigs and my deepest sympathies. I’m in tears right now…. a tragedy…
For a child to bury a parent is sad (as I did last year)…
For a parent to bury a child, it is tragic…
A very sad day, indeed. My thoughts and prayers to the Koenigs…
My thoughts and prayers are with the Koeing family.
my condolences to the koenigs your son will be missed but never forgotten
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Koenig family. RIP Andrew.
I am sending my prayers that even though the millions of people around the world who are giving love and support to you cannot wash away pain but might you know pain is felt by us all
My thoughts and prayers to Walter and the Koenig family… this is just awful. I can’t imagine what they’re going through right now.
So sorry for your loss. Be strong and be strong for each other. You know you have the love of the fans.
My sincerest condolences go out to Walter and Judy Koenig and the rest of Andrew’s family and friends.
R.I.P. Andrew Koenig
The USS Las Vegas-Star Trek Fan Club here in Las Vegas NV USA is in CODE-BLACK ( time to reflect and mourn) and wants to convey their deepest sympathies and condolences to the Koenig family…..
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all……..
Captain Paul Walker
USS Las Vegas-Star Trek Fan Club
Las Vegas NV USA …..
RIP, Andrew.
My god…this is horrible. My deepest sympathies to Walter and Judy…
Rest in peace Andrew. :( I feel horrible for Walter and his family. My sympathies for them..
What a terrible ending. He was a kind, humble and talented man. My heart goes out to his family. A tragic, senseless loss.
My condolences to Walter and Judith, the rest of the family along with all his friends. This is a sad day.
How awful. Condolences to Walter and his family.
Very sad, condolences to all.
Words don’t explain… This is the worst possible loss for a father.
My heart goes out to the whole family.
This is a terrible tragedy, and my heart breaks for everyone involved. Walter and Judy: You, your friends, and family are all in our prayers tonight. I know it’s got to be hard to sort this out in your hearts and minds right now, I’ll be asking God to bring you His peace and mercy to uphold and sustain you.
with greatest condolences,
Sarah Stroud
What a sad thing to happen. I was hoping that he was just lying low and that he would let us know he was OK and just needed some space… My thoughts and Prayers go out to Walter and Judith.
Damn. I was hoping they would find him alive and OK. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. It is senseless, and sad.
My condolences and best wishes to the Koenig family.
Sad news to be sure.
RIP
Condolences to one of the most generous and friendly members of the crew. So sorry he and his family have to endure something like this :(
So sorry to hear the news.
I was hoping against hope that the reason that Walter and Judith called off the Larry King interview today at the last minute was because of news that their son had been found alive. Sadly, that wasn’t the case.
The Koenig family is in my prayers tonight.
Condolences to Walter and his family. It’s tough enough to lose a loved one; the pain of seeing them leave before their time can’t be measured by words. R.I.P., Andrew. May the hand of God on your shoulder give you the peace and comfort you have always sought.
updated article with comments from wheaton and shatner
The Shadow of Death touches the Star Trek Family again…
My deepest sympathies & condolences to the Koenig Family =(::::
This is heartbreaking. Condolences to you, Mr. Koenig.
Thank you for so many great performances in “Star Trek.”
The Trek family offers our sympathies and prayers to you.
My deepest sympathies to the Koenig family, you are in my thoughts and prayers
Terrible terrible news!
My heart goes out to the Koenig family! No parent should have to endure this sort of tragedy. The family will be in my prayers.
This is awful news. I have always had a great deal of respect for Walter Koenig. He just seems to be a really down to earth man and this is just something that seems totally unfair for his family to go through. My condolences to him, his wife, his daughter and the rest of his family.
Oh no… )= Such sad news. My deepest sympathies and prayers for the Koenig family.
Very unfortunate, very sad. From what I read, Andrew suffered from depression, a very insidious disease. Andrew was in a dark place and had not been taking his meds, but one thing about suicide, the people that end up suffering the most are the family. So please anyone considering this, get help, no matter how bad u feel, there us always help. Suicide as much as i hate to say it, is a cowards way out. Although I have known people who have taken their lives this way. I have known people who have chosen the other route, it’s not easy, but everyone will benefit. U get one chance at living, so don’t waste. It.
I feel so sorry for the Koenig’s, Walter and his family.
The word is given, Andrew. Warp speed.
Peace to Walter and family.
Thoughts and prayers are with the family–I lost my older brother (suddenly) when he was 42. My daughter had a seizure and stopped breathing for countless time… but she was-is alright.
I cannot fathom the loss. God bless all.
I’m so sorry, Koenig family.
My deepest sympathies.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
WARP SPEED ANDREW
To boldly go where our friends and family have gone before.
I hope that Walter and his family find peace
Sorry for your loss
John
My deepest sympathies to the Koenig family.
I really enjoyed Andrew on “Growing Pains”. I know the moniker “Boner” probably wasn’t easy to live with in his career, but Andrew was really funny.
The Cast and Crew of Star Trek New Voyages Phase 2 was deeply sadden when we heard the words of Walters statement on CNN. May the comforting Hand of the almighty God be with you Walter and your family in this time of Grief.
A tragedy beyond words. The challenges that mental illness can bring to a family are almost beyond comprehension.
My thoughts & prayers are with the Koenig family
My screen name seems inappropriate for this post now that I look at it. I apologize. No offense intended.
My prayers go out to the family and friends. As a parent, this is the worst thing that could happen.
I’m so sorry, Walter. My sympathy to you, your wife, and your family.
My heart goes out to the Koenig family.
My thoughts and Prayers go out to the Koenig’s for their tragic loss…RIP Andrew
I am so sorry for your loss Mr. Koenig.
John
Terrible sadness tonight. All my prayers and Love to the family.
I feel so bad for the Koenig family. I feel so bad for Walter and his Wife. This is such a sad day for all. My deepest wishes and prayers for there Family. Rest in Peace.
Our condolences to the Koenig family. We grew up watching Chekov in reruns, and “Boner” on “Growing Pains”. Andrew was very talented and it’s clear he had many friends and family members who cared for him.
Please, please people … learn the warning signs of suicide so we can help prevent it in our families, friends and coworkers. It’s the least we can do for the Koenigs.
http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-recognizing-signs-of-suicide
Last year, for the first time in my own life I experienced the kind of despondency that could lead a person to do something like this. With the help of my family I managed to pull out of it, but it was the hardest struggle of my life, and its fallout never goes away entirely. Folks, if someone in your life is experiencing profound depression you need to know that it’s not self-indulgence or an act. Support them in whatever way you can, and get them professional help if you think they need it or if the situation becomes more than you can handle.
To the Koenigs the extended Trek family express our profound sympathy.
I would like to add my condolences as well. The Koenig family is in my prayers and I wish them all the best in these worst of times.
Koenig Family, you are in my thoughts.
My condolances to the Koenig Family. :(
I will pray for Walter and his family. This is terrible news.
My deepest sympathies…
SO sorry to hear this. MY best wishes go out to The family…
I cannot fathom their pain. I can offer only my deepest condolences.
God bless, Koenig family. You are in my prayers.
To Walter and Judith Koenig,
I grieve with thee. He lives in the memory of God and in our hearts.
With God there are infinite possibilities.
I want to echo Michael Hall’s thoughts at #94. I had a similar experience last year of the deepest despondency. But something like this is a reminder of how those suicidal thoughts can cloud just how much people love you.
My condolences to the Koenig family. Surely the nightmare of every parent.
:( I am so sorry to hear about this. My heart goes out to Walter Koenig and his family.
This is awful news. My sincere condolences to Walter Koenig and his family.
A terrible tragedy, I am so sorry to hear this news.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Koenig family.
It is my sincerest hope that after this life is over-we are reunited with family and friends that we loved in this all too brief life on this Earth! I feel for the Koenig family and wish them strength for the upcoming days! God speed to Andrew and I hope an angel is embracing him now and relieving him of all his pain.
As someone who battled depression in his past, I can only implore any of you suffering the same to seek help. It’s not a shame to talk about it, whether it’s to friends, family, or a professional.
Walter, as fans I’m sure we’ve driven you nuts on occasion throughout the years; however, tonight we grieve as a family.
This is so sad, especially for anyone connected with Andrew or his family. I met Walter many years ago, and he is such an authentic, decent person. This must be just about the worse day of any parent’s life, and yet Walter conducted himself today with tremendous dignity and stoic resolve. In making the announcement, he’s done a great service to Andrew’s friends and all of us who’ve been awaiting an answer.
My heart goes out to the Koenig’s,
Argh, damn it. :(
Deepest Condolences.
How terrible. I sincerely hope the Koenig family makes it through this tragic event. They have my deepest sympathies and condolences.
Thoughts and prayers are with the Koenig’s. God be with you.
What a terrible loss. My sincere condolences to the Koenig family.
Andrew, I knew you only as an actor on screen, and I now learn that you have done so much good in your time while you where here. Evidently you have many that love you dearly!
You will be missed terribly by so many. I wish someone still so young like yourself did not have to feel this much pain, so much that you needed to find a way to end the life that you knew.
To the Koenig family, may God give you all the strength you need and may you have all the warmth and consolation you will need from those who are close and love you. Above all, take all the time that you need to grieve.
Damn it, I so much wanted to see a different ending. Peace be with you for ever more, Andrew.
Very sad! It is very difficult when a parent has lost a child, no matter what their age or whatever the reason. As a parent myself, I could never imagine what the Koenig family is going through. It is an unimaginable sense of loss. Parents expect their kids to outlive them, and it is tragic when it does not happen that way. My deepest condolences to the family.
My thoughts go out to the Koenig family. So devastating.
My deepest sympathies…
My condolences to the Koenig family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
My thoughts, prayers and condolences to the Koenig family. Andrew is with Jimmy and DeForest now.
My thoughts go to you and your family – my most sincerest sympathies to you – be safe.
Very sad. My heart goes out to the family and friends.
Just a shame. RIP and condolences.
It is the lead story on yahoo page with a wonderful pix—So sorry for the Koenig family—Yancy it was great that you had a chance to meet Andrew at a convention…I hope those of you who might have known Andrew can share some of your feelings with us….He sounded like a gentle loving soul—I am reminded of don mcleans song Starry Starry Night song bout vincent Van Gogh—on that starry night you took your life as lovers often do–I could have told you Vincent this world was never made for one as beautiful as you….Andrew shared his art of acting with us….
Condolences to the Koenig family–Also Lincoln once wrote in a letter to a daughter that lost a father he knew, that, when it happened it seemed as if the sadness would never go away. Mr Lincoln said that with time it will be replaced by a sad sweet feeling and wonderful memories of times past. I hope that is true for their family as well-Andrew was loved and I hope he knew that and that his pain is now gone—RIP Andrew—
love, JEFF n SHERI
Things must have seemed very hopeless for him. My own situation isn’t good, but he was 9 years younger than I.
To quote T’Pau: I grieve with thee.
That’s heart breaking. I lost one of my best friends to suicide a few years back, but I can’t imagine what it would be like to lose a child to it. The Koenig’s have my deepest sympathies.
To lose your son like that…..unthinkable.
As someone who is being treated with bipolar depression I’ve been where Andrew was.
Lucky for me I got help and am better today.
Please everyone, someone you love is suffering in silence with a mental illness.
Let them know its ok to get help and that they dont have to suffer anymore.
Don’t ignore any signs you may notice.If your “gut” is telling you something is wrong it probably is.
To Andrew:
May the Good Lord Shine a Light On You
so sorry for your loss you are in my prayers
your friend tony b
Go to this video everyone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh9QW30TKOk
My heart goes out to the koenig family R.I.P. Andrew Koenig may you find peace in heaven with God!
Too sad for words.
I’ll be praying for them. My deepest condolences -_-
We are gathered here today to pay final respects to our honored dead. But it should be noted that this death takes place in the shadow of new life, the sunrise of a new world; a world that our beloved comrade gave his life to protect and nourish. He did not feel this sacrifice a vain or empty one, and we will not debate his profound wisdom at these proceedings. Of my friend, I can only say this: of all the souls I have encountered in my travels, his was the most… human.
So very sorry to hear such tragic news. Thoughts and prayers to the Koenig family and Andrew’s friends during this time of loss.
I’ve got no elegant words, just stunned… To Walter and family, my deepest condolences.
so so sad. thoughts, love, and prayers go out to the Koenig family. You have all of our support in this terribly tragic time.
sorry to all, but god i hate this.
i’ve been there.
i’m sad, yes, but the rage is worse. if mankind has any problem that should be addressed first, it is the individual and her/his relationship with themselves. each suicide is as tragic as a war.
the human adventure. the human adventure.
best to mr. koenig and his family. (note to them: the anger within the pain… is logical)
Thoughts and prayers to the Koenig family and dear friends of Andrew.
How Tragic. My thoughts and prayers with the family.
As per #127.
“To quote T’Pau: I grieve with thee.”
This is a parents worst nightmare. My thoughts and prayers are with Walter Koenig and all of the family and friends of Andrew.
Deepest sympathies for the Koenig family.
such a tragedy
To Mr. Koenig & Family:
I am so very sorry.
Please know that our thoughts
and prayers are with you.
No words can console a parent’s loss. I will pray for all those touched by this event.
This is such a tagedy…My deepest sympathies to his family and friends
Oh my…this is not how I had hoped this would have turned out for the Koenig family. My deepest sympathies for the Koenig family and all of Andrew’s friends. The loss of a child, no matter what age they are, is indeed the biggest fear of a parent.
My condolences to the Koenig family and friends.
I’m so sorry to hear this. Like everyone here I was hoping maybe Andrew was just in hiding…
I’m very sorry to hear this. My sympathies.
Such a tragedy. My thoughts are with the Koenig family as well as all those who knew Andrew.
My deep sympathies and condolences to Walter and his family.
Terrible news. I’m so sorry. My condolences
I think I talk for the whole Trekkie community when I say that Mr. Koenig and family has our deepest sympathies and condolences.
So sorry to hear this. There are many people out there thinking of you and you family, Walter. My deepest sympathies.
My prayers are with them tonight!
Shit.
Sorry but there are no words to really express how much I feel for the Koenig family right now, especially Walter. How much it hurts not only you Walter, or the rest of your family, but how much it hurts the rest of us that we all feel for you in your deepest sorrow.
My condolences to the Koenig family. There is nothing I can say to lessen your pain, but please know we fans love you both and grieve with you.
May your memories of your son live on forever.
My condolences. R.I.P.
My thoughts and prayers to the Koenig Family, Walter and Judy my deepest condolances. I met Andrew at the Star Trek Phase II Episode that featered Walter.
So sorry for your loss, Walter :’(
I was fortunate to meet Walter Koenig twice. Once was even back in the eighties when Growing Pains was still airing and I mentioned to him how proud he must be of his son’s success on the show. He said he was. Now his son is gone. To have that small personal connection makes this tragedy even more sad. To have seen the small on Walter’s face that day and now to see his tears…I am sorry, sir, for your lose.
I don’t envy ANY parent losing a child… but when a parent loses a child by that child’s own hand… how heartbreaking. I can’t begin to imagine what Walter & Judith are going through.
Thoughts and deepest condolences to the Koenig family.
I figured as much. I am very, very sorry.
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayer are with the Koenig family.
Such a talented man; such potential.
My utter sympathies go with the entire Koenig family.
All of this has brought up memories of a good friend of mine who committed suicide 25 years ago. It was intensely painful.
I hope the Koenig family finds support and solace from the fan community and from each other.
My prayers and thoughts are with the Koenig family.
As I sit at home on the other side of the continent, I can’t help but imagine the pain of a parent who has lost their child. My heart goes out to Walter, his wife, and all of Andrew’s family and friends. I share all your sorrow and pain, and only hope that Andrew is in a better place and can now find peace.
Warp speed, son.
Goddammit, go seek out your friends that are feeling unusually blue lately* and let them know they’re loved and needed in this world. Hell, tell ANYONE you care about that they matter in your life.
:(
Judith and Walter have my inadequately sorrowful condolences and sympathy for their senseless and tragic loss.
—
* – And yeah, I know… hard to tell that from the normal level of malaise these days. just do it, dammit… no such thing as too much love in the world…
I wish we were all close enough to stanley park and vancouver to get candles and gather in a vigil of support n love for him and the Koenig family….
One of my sweet sad memories was when john lennon was shot it was comforting to watch on tv the many hundreds who showed up with candles mourning and honoring his death in the park….indeed many thousands around the world….
RIP Andrew….
My deepest sympathies to the Koenigs. :(
I would like to send my sincerely condolences to the Koenig family and all of Andrews friends. This is truly a tragedy. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
As the days rolled onward, it was the most feared outcome, inching toward us. We hoped it wouldn’t be, but it was. My sincerest condolences to the Koenigs. Truly a loss beyond words.
Sad.
I Grieve with thee.
I feel sad and helpless about this news. There’s really nothing I can do but to offer hopeful prayers for those left behind in this tragic loss.
My thoughts, to your thoughts. RIP Andrew.
I just heard the news on Coast-to-Coast A.M. from George Noory. I’m *devastated* for Walter and his family. I am *so sorry.* I’m sitting here, tearing up, feeling distraught. Andrew, rest in peace. I’ll never forget you as “Boner” on “Growing Pains,” and I’ll always think fondly of you when I watch DS9’s “Sanctuary.”
I was hoping it wouldn’t end this way. May God bless and comfort our dear Walter and his family.
A sad day for the Star Trek family, of which we are all a part.
We are thinking of you…
Losing your own offspring must be difficult, but to lose them to suicide must make the pain so much worse. I hope the Koenigs see the messages of support posted by their fans and peers and take some solace from them. But none of that will replace their son. I didn’t know much about Andrew Koenig up until reading of his disappearance, which is sad. But upon hearing about it he seems to have been a pretty remarkable and honourable individual. Hopefully, other people will remember him in that way. Best possible wishes to Andrew Koenig’s friends and family.
I’ve been following this since he first disappeared, and I really hoped it wouldn’t end like this. :(
Rest in peace Andrew. My thoughts are with the Koenig family and their friends.
Deepest sympathies to the Koenig family.
My thoughts are with the Koenig family tonight. This is just terrible news.
Along with everyone else, my deepest sympathies to the family. There’s no worse, more senseless loss than suicide. I hope the Koenigs don’t blame themselves for the disease of depression.
How desperately sad. I’m so sorry for Walter and his family.
Deepest sympathies to the Koenigs. May God’s peace be with you in the difficult days ahead. You are in my prayers.
I am so so sorry to hear this. My deepest sympathies to the Koenig family.
Terrible. This kind of thing is so hard. I have nothing but sympathy and warm thoughts for Walter and Judy, and the rest of their family and friends.
My deepest sympathies to the Koenig family.
I’m Speechless.
I want to send all my love and sympathy to the Koenig family.
This is tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his friends and those who were close to him. I’ve know firsthand how much and how deeply this one act can cripple those who care. The hurt will never go away. They grief in unending. The sorrow is unbearable. But he is where he felt he wanted to be. Sometimes there seems to be no end to the suffering and the sadness we experience. Many are eager to point fingers, lay blame and claim saw it coming. All the while, some close friends will say they never imagined it would come to this. I hope that everyone can accept that this was his decision and it wasn’t an easy one. Life is hard and cruel at times. We must always remember to love and support one another. We really are one big family. And although I did not know him personally, I will miss him. And I pray that he has now found the peace he felt was missing on this earthly plane. Let’s try to be a little nicer to our friends and neighbors. You never know the struggles they are trying to overcome.
I hope you can find some degree of comfort in knowing that he is in a better place. I had hoped this would not be the outcome. But everyone is entitled to deal with this crazy life in their own way. I’m sorry he chose this way, but I don’t know what burdens he carried or what demons he fought.
This is something that will stay with you forever. Someone who was intelligent, attractive and talented seems the least likely person to carry this out. But obviously he had some very serious issues weighing on his mind. Please forgive him for not being able to find a better way. Rememver the great things about him. Cherish your memories of him. You will begin to heal soon. And he is watching over you to make sure you find the cormort you seek.
God bless Andrew and those who loved and cared for him. Those closest to him will remain in my thoughts and prayers as you deal with this horrendous loss. Rejoice in the great things he brought to those in his life. Remember the good in Andrew and forgive his shortcomings. Continue to love him and those around you. I know he is smilng down on those he loved, wishing they could understand what happened.
May you lean on God in the following days of hardship and loss. And remember that Andrew is there beside Him, looking over you and your family, waiting for that sweet reunion that will come in time.
God bless you and be with you!
You have my most heartfelt sympathies.
Stay strong!
Debbie
Oh, my god. This is so terrible. I cannot imagine the pain Walter and his family are going through. I can only offer my condolences to Walter, Judy, and everyone else who was in Andrew’s life. You are in my prayers.
R.I.P Andrew Koenig.
I must confess I forgot about Andrew Koenig until all this started a few weeks ago and I’m very sorry that today’s news has this headline. It’s sad to say but this shocking news will make me remember. I would rather not know him right now and have him be alive though.
My condolences to Walter and Judy.
Such sad news. Prayers for the Koenig family. Walter is so right about the lesson that even when things look hopeless, search around, you might find people still love you. That’s of more value than anything.
As a father, I can not even imagine the pain of the Koenig family. As a fan, my thoughts lies with them.
RIP.
Very sad news. My deepest condolences to the Koenig family.
My condolences and continuing prayers go out to Mr. and Mrs. Koenig and everyone else that was in Andrew’s life.
Rest in Peace, Andrew.
“I grieve with thee.”– T’Pau
I am so sad to hear this. This is tragic and unfortunate news. I really was hoping he turned up okay. I send my deepest condolences to the family and wish them all peace at this time.
a tragedy for all concerned. i feel terrible.
first, Bill Shatner’s wife’s accidental drowning (some years ago) and now this misfortune to the Koenig family.
such sadness.
My heart stopped beating when l heard what has happened to Andrew Koenig.
My deepest sympathies to the Koenig family.
This tragedy is felt in Australia too.
My prayers go to Koenig family.
fp2010
mapleman
My condolences to Walter & Judy at this sad moment.
For Andrew, I offer this:
‘May you find the peace in death that you never found in life.’*
*Tuvok’s words for Lon Suder in an episode of Star Trek: Voyager.
I grieve with you. My condolences.
Deep sympathies, may your heart have some strength n this difficult time ;(
My deepest sympathies to you and family at this sad time.
This is so sad. =( My deepest sympathies to the Koenig family.
Very sad news. My condolences.
I sincerely hope Andrew has found peace now.
May God comfort the Koenig family in the coming days, weeks and years. You are in my prayers.
My deepest sympathies to the Koenig family.
No parents should outlive thier child. I wish strength for the Koenig family, in this time if tragedy. R.I.P. Andrew, you will be missed.
Dear Walter, we met in 1974 at a Star Trek Con in Houston and I remember to this day the kindness you showed to me and my Dad. I want to extend to you and your family my deepest sympathies at this time. My family’s thoughts and prayers are with you and your son. Your son will be missed by all of his fans, he was a very talented actor. Words are really not a comfort at a time like this but, please know your family will be in our prayers.
This is so sad….I have a 19 year old I have always worried about and this news about the son ofsomeone you feel you have grown up with as a fan, makes it feel like I have lost a family member as well…I am so sorry for your loss… my prayers go out to the Koenig family…
As a parent, I can’t even begin to imagine the sorrow the Koenigs are feeling. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Deepest regrets.
Walter and family, I wish to express my sincere condolences. There are no words I can say that could possibly ease your pain. Our prayers are with you and your family.
I’m very sorry to hear this news. My sincere condolences to Walter and his family.
My condolences.
Famous or not, suicide or any type of death, it is a parents worst nightmare to have happened to the Koenig family. As a mother who worries & prays for my son, a police officer who lays his life on the line every day, I empathize & sympathize the grief Walter and his family are experiencing. My prayers are with the Koenig family. I pray for strength for them at this moment. May God bless you all. WE don’t know what goes on in a person’s mind to drive them to this pivotal despondency. Only God knows and the victim knows. May he rest in peace, now.
Like many others, I want to express my deepest sympathies to the Koenig family. My thoughts are with you.
RIP Andrew Koenig
My Thoughts go To Walter and his family and freinds.
Matthew 11:28-30 –
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, becaue I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Condolences to the Koenigs from my family, especially my own son Andrew who was following the story closely for obvious reasons.
There are those who claim suicide is painless: clearly for everyone else it is not. If only Andrew had known that the longtime great outpouring of love for his father extended also to him anytime he would have needed it…. God bless Walter and Judith, they did everything you’re supposed to do if you worry someone is in the state Andrew reached, it is sad that those looking for Andrew missed him by perhaps only less than a day.
My grandfather suicided 43 years ago, yet the impact on my mother continues to this day. Please, everyone… if you know anyone who has the telltale signs of depression that lead to suicide, act! It’s easier to apologize for overreacting than underreacting. And letting someone know you love them and asking– strike that — *telling* them you are here to help….
My heart breaks for them. I can’t imagine losing a child, but I know about grief after a suicide.
The hardest part is, people gripped by suicidal depression can give off all sorts of recognizable “signs’ — in fact, they can be extremely self-aware and open about it — and yet their loved ones can’t really prevent them from killing themselves.
Suicide is never anyone’s fault, signals or not. The illness is to blame.
And it’s still a shock.
I swear I am not writing this to elicit pity. Please receive the post as honest sentiments from one individual touched by this type of tragedy.
Having experienced this (my father in the early 1970’s) I must say it is devastating to those that remain behind. The “survivor guilt” is oppressive. The questions of “what more could I have done” linger for decades. There were of course clues but it is a challenge to monitor a despondent individual with the scrutiny required to forestall this potential dreadful outcome – especially when life offers tests to each and every one of us.
Depression has historically been viewed as a fault of the individual. It is, for a fact, a deficiency of the ability to reason just as some might have a defect in any other organ or system of the body. When one is in that “dark well” of despair they cannot function on any level that would be considered normal or healthy. It is time that the “buck up and carry on” mentality is replaced with a genuine understanding that sadness, despair and desperation indeed have practical physiological foundations.
I will add that dear Andrew is now a spirit free of the imperfections of his physical form and is released to the entirety of the universe to where all is known and the limits of our coporeal form no longer fetter understanding of the wonders of our eternal existence.
I apologize for prefacing my positive sentiments with this foreword.
My most earnest, sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to the Koenig family. Your pain is real though it will lessen…given time. You did nothing wrong. And it is evident that you truly loved your son.
Best wishes in your time of hardship, Steven Maines
his performance as the joker was the only one that nailed it for me. rip i hope u now have peace but you will always be alive in many peoples thoughts.
What a terrible blow to such a kind family. You hear all the time about the TOS actors who were the best with the fans and after Deforest Kelley (rest in peace) then next name is always Walter Koenig. My prayers go with them.
May God be with Andrew and with the Koenig family at this tragic and difficult time.
My deepest condolences to the Koenig family.
My deepest condolences go out to the Koenig family.
Parents should never have to bury their children. How very tragic.
I am so sad to hear this news. My heartfelt prayers go out to the Koenig family.
My deepest condolences to the Koenig family
I’m actually pretty pissed. What is wrong with people today? Suicide is the absolute worst thing he could have done. Do these people give any thought to the affect this has on family and friends? Andrew was 41 years old! He had a lot to live for. He was loved by many, people who care about him! I find suicide to be utterly disgraceful. There are so many children who are born into this world with nothing! They are born sick or disabled and don’t get the chances in life that people like Andrew got. The real shame here is that he threw away a very precious gift. Life is to be cherished, not discarded. It has been said that he was suffering from depression and stopped taking his medicine more than a year ago. In that instance his family needed to intervene or if need be force the issue. Now the Koenig’s are going to have to live with this forever riddled with guilt about what they could have done to prevent this.. Tragic and pointless…
#234: @Unforgiven, calm down and lay off. Before you start popping off at people who suffer from depression — or the loved ones now grieving as a result — just stop judging people.
When someone dies of cancer, do we blame the patient? Do we blame the families afterward?
My sister committed suicide, and yeah, I suffered, and yeah, I miss her. But she tried her damnedest to live. She didn’t *want* to kill herself, not with the full engagement of her will; she tried like hell to overcome her mental illness, but she lost the final battle against it. I’m not angry at her. I’m sad because I love her and I hated watching her suffer — and I couldn’t understand the unfathomable, senseless pain she felt.
And you know what else? I think you should, frankly, shut your trap about the Koenigs’ “guilt” over the death of their son. It’s not their fault. It’s not my fault my sister is dead. It’s hard enough to cope with such losses, so again: Just lay off a grieving family, okay?
Sad and tragic news indeed… all of us were pulling for the Koenig family that this would not happen. It is a loss for all of us as well, as we feel the pain that the Koenigs are feeling now, no parent should ever have to bury their son or daughter.
I know that no words can express how we feel or make the pain go away for the Koenigs. All we can do is keep the family in our prayers as we grieve with them too.
I saw Walter on the news this morning makeing a plea to others who may be dealing with depression to seek help and let them know that they are not alone. It was the most heart ripping thing I heard as he could barely get the words out, we cried with him.
God rest Andrew’s soul in peace.
My deepest sympathies for Walter and his family.
Well in the first place…. You don’t know my situation so you don’t know where I’m coming from.. I am disabled… I had a brother who was born disabled and died at fifteen! There was nothing he could do! He had a disease. He was innocent… He spent his life dealing with lung problems and was in a wheelchar as long as he lived. He fought to live and lost due to no fault of his own.. He didn’t have the opportunity to live a normal life. That is true tragedy. He was heroic and never gave up! When people like Andrew commit suicide it means they gave up on life. It means they not only gave up on themselves but they gave up on loved ones and friends… It is disgraceful! HE chose to stop taking his medicine. He KNEW he had these problems and feelings he couldn’t control… So you see my point? No matter what you say the Koenig’s are going to feel responsible whether they want to or not. My parents still agonize over my brother to this day and the truth is they did everything they could for him. I’m sorry to hear about your situation.. Every case is different but in Andrew Koenig’s case I’m STILL PISSED!
#235 @ Trek Nerd Central – you obviously have dealt with it better than most. My cousin committed suicide leaving a wife and three chilren to deal with the guilt. All of us have questioned if there was something we could have done. Euthanasia is one thing, suicide is different. My cousin was depressed, but otherwise healthy. He chose a permanent solution to a temporary problem and it hurt everyone.
We grieved for him and at the same time were angry that he did it. I still have conflicted emotions ten years later and hs kids and wife have all had to get counseling. Suicide is a selfish act. They are only thinking of themselves and not the wake of destrution they leave behind.
Yes, my prayers and condolences go out to the Koenig family – especially because I have been through it.
To loose someone is hard enough – to always wonder if there was something you could have done, a sign you should have seen, a time you could have reached out and you didn’t, – that adds to the pain.
May peace be with them all.
#238. Unforgiven, you’re right, I don’t know your situation. I don’t have a disability, and I can’t know how it feels to be you. And I’m sorry for your brother’s death at such a young age.
But I’m sorry, there was nothing disgraceful about my beloved sister and her brave fight to live. Her illness was not her fault. Andrew Koenig’s illness was not his fault. His parents are not to blame, either.
Psychopharmacology doesn’t offer a magic pill for people who suffer from these illnesses. My sister tried three dozen different drugs, and none of them worked. She entered psych hospitals willingly many times. Each time she came out worse.
I don’t believe you should judge people, especially those who suffer from this horrific, incomprehensible illness that causes ripples of grief for decades to come.
I’ll say it again: People who cope with mental illness are brave. They are not, in your words, “disgraceful.”
All I ask is that you don’t judge.
#239. Of course it’s a selfish act. That’s the damned truth of it. But people who kill themselves *aren’t* entirely themselves — they’re in a pit of despair that they believe they can’t climb out of.
When I’m able to zap my mind into someone else’s, I’ll be able to fully comprehend what another human being is going through.
@Trek Nerd Central
…it doesn’t say anywhere that the medicine wasn’t working. It says he just stopped taking it. The thing is I have a close friend who’s sister committed suicide when she was 13. This too was tragic because she was too young to realize the depth of the sorrow her death would cause those around her. Again my problem with Andrew is that he was 41 years old. He had been battling depression for years and was fully aware. He was talented and intelligent it makes no sense for him to have taken his own life when he had so much potential and so much to live for. It wasn’t as if he was a child who didn’t know any better. He was a grown man who was somewhat famous had family and friends who care around him and on top of everything was taking medicine that obviously was doing the job since he has lived 41 years! So I’m sorry but in Andrew’s case his suicide was selfish and disgraceful! My heart goes out to Walter and the rest of his family and friends. I pray that his family will not blame themselves but unfortunately they will..
My heartfelt condolences to the Koenig family.
My deepest condolences goes to the Koeing family. :(
#242 Unforgiven, you know what? You just don’t get it. I’m going to stop arguing with you.
But one more point. You say yourself that “he had been battling depression for years.” Without realizing it, you’ve touched on the true horror of this disease: unrelenting anguish that goes on for decades. And just gets worse.
Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes, you know?
That’s it for me. Every post I read of yours absolutely stabs my heart, so I’m going to stop.
Have a good day.
Terrible news. Deepest sympathies to his loved ones.
Unfortunately, I kind of expected this. It’s terrible it turned out to be true though.
Full sympathies to the Koenigs. I know from experience how hard a suicide can be on a family. I hope they work through this all right.
@242
…Again you are missing my point entirely. In Andrew Koenig’s case if things were so bad and his family was aware of it, why wasn’t Andrew admitted to a hospital to be treated? If the medicine wasn’t working maybe the dosage needed to be adjusted? It just pisses me off because his death was completely senseless. I do not mean to come off as disrespectful to your situation personally. It’s just hard to feel bad for Andrew because it seems like he went out of his way to off himself. Like he planned it and didn’t give a damn about how it would impact everyone else. It’s clear your situation was very different to that of Andrew Koenig so again I am sorry if I have offended you.
A horrible thing to outlive your own child and especially in this manner. I hope Andrew has now found the peace he could not find in life.
My sincere condolences to all members of the Koenig family. I hope the press will leave them alone to grieve.
@248. Okay, okay, one more:
Psychotropic medicine often doesn’t work. It isn’t a simple issue of “adjusting” dosages or trying some new pharmaceutical; it isn’t unusual for the drugs themselves to make matters worse.
In all honesty, in my sister’s case I wish she’d never gone on medication. I also wish she’d never entered a psych hospital. Both “cures” made her worse. If she hadn’t gone that route, it’s entirely possible she might have lived another 10 years or so. . .to the age of 41, perhaps?
All I really wanted to impress upon you is that idea that when it comes to this sort of mental illness, we can never really judge what someone else is going through (or has gone through). And we certainly can’t judge the family.
Now I’m truly finished. And I do sincerely hope you have a good day.
Unforgiven and Trek Nerd Central – the man is dead and the family is grieving. Can this argument not wait for a less inappropriate time?
@Trek Nerd Central & 251
#1 We are not arguing… #2 I see your point Trek Nerd Central. I hope you have a good day as well.
251. Bill hiro,
I’m sorry if I’ve offended you. All I’ve tried to do, in “arguing” with Unforgiven, is to impress upon him the worth, dignity and courage of people with mental illness. And to ask him not to judge a grieving family or the man himself who died.
@253
I wasn’t judging the family. I was pissed at Andrew for killing himself and leaving his family with that horrible guilt. I still believe he was wrong but I do understand your point about medication and the hospital better now.
May you find eternal rest, Andrewe!
My heart s breaking for Walter and the family. How strong he truly is to have faced the cameras with such a personal, horrible loss. God bless the Koenig family!
My thoughts are with the Koenig family, always.
“…perhaps they have carried me to the threshold of my story, before the door that opens on my story, that would surprise me, if it opens, it will be I, it will be the silence, where I am, I don’t know, I’ll never know, in the silence you don’t know, you must go on, I can’t go on, I’ll go on.”
—Samuel Beckett
@254. I understand. And if I came on strong, it’s only because (for obvious reasons) this is an emotional issue for me.
Do take care.
We can both agree to keep the Koenigs in our thoughts and prayers.
@257 Agreed. It helps to be able to get your feelings out like this.. His death has affected me more than I expected.
this has been a sad story to follow. you always hope for a happy ending to these missing-person stories, but that almost never happens. my sympathies to the Koenig family.
Condolences to the Koenig family, Mr Koenig “se le aprecia mucho”.
I was sorry to hear about Andrew Koenig. My thoughts are with the Koenig family during this difficult time.
Horrible! My deepest sympathies to his family & friends. If you’re depressed, please remember, people DO care!
Friends, let’s all agree, that had we happened to be in the park and seen Andrew, we all would have stayed with him and talked with him… and shown him the love and respect then, and now. As I said earlier, suicide is NOT painless… there’s tremendous pain before for the single person, and tremendous pain after for everyone else….
Whether there is a God or not, if so, he loves us… and if not, the key thing we constantly forget… is the message that we are best when we show love for each other. Because no one can doubt we DO exist.
No words seem adequate. My sincerest and most heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Koenig family.
This is so tragic, I really wished this could have turned out differently. I feel that part of my family is gone, I can’t even begin to feel what Walter and his family are going through.
I saw the horrible news about Andrew Koenig on the BBC yesterday. Mental illness is treatable. I know because I suffer from Bipolar Disorder. I cannot begin to understand the depths of the pain and loss Walter and his family are feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with the Koenig family.
we are suggesting people donate to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or US Campaign for Burma in Andrew’s memory.
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/GetInvolved/Donate.aspx
https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1189/t/5102/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=4622
My condolences to the Koenig family at this time, you have a legion of people by your side if you need us.
I lost my mum the same way last year. It is painful but if ever you feel like shutting yourself away and that you can only see futility in everything, speak up. Because there are people out there that want to listen and want to hear your story.
If you think no one cares about you, then you are wrong. It’s not my point of view it’s a fact.
It’s a big world, 6.7 billion people. It’s a veritable haystack.
Some people don’t wanna know.
Some people have problems of their own.
But some people just want to know you. We are out there, i promise you.
Find us.
“Suicide as much as i hate to say it, is a cowards way out. ”
This is utter rubbish, as are some of the comments above. Clinically depressed people feel that they are a burden on those that they love, and they can see suicide as a way of ridding their loved ones of that burden. Therefore, it is an incredibly selfless and tragic act.
Terribly sad.
I’m saddened to think of the grip of depression that must have led this young man to take his own life. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. You are in my thoughts.
Sadness. :(
My sincerest condolences.
Theres a time and a place for discussing such an emotive topic and now in this thread isn’t one of them. Speaking as someone who lost a very close friend to suicide with absolutely no signs of depression or otherwise, what some have written and deliberately argued over is tasteless to say the least, you should be ashamed. Yes, it is a horribly taboo topic that needs to be discussed and explained more but for everything there’s a time and a place.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Koenig family and Andrews friends at this terrible time, may he rest in peace.
Andrew; may the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand a chara.
May he rest in peace.
very sad news indeed. I wish all the family well.
Greg UK
.
Certainly, there’s not much left to say…
My guess is that all previous posts have already expressed the condolences and simpathies to Mr. Koenig and his familly…
I just follow all the good words that have been written and I grieve together.
May he rest in peace… And may Mr. and Mrs. Koenig can find peace and tranquility for their own…
All my best.
.
I send my deepest and hearfelt sympathies to Walter and His Family. This is truly tragic.
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the Koenig family on their loss.
Such awful news. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Koenig family. No parent should ever have to outlive their child.
My condolences to Walter, Judy and Danielle…
…and my hopes that anyone and everyone who is either contemplating such actions or thinks they know someone who is, listens to Walter’s and Judy’s plea at the end of the press conference. Suicide isn’t an answer.
My already high estimation of Walter (and Judy) has skyrocketed in seeing that in their time of grief, they still took the time to reach out to others who may be suffering in a similar fashion to try to offer them some hope and put them on a different path.
Thoughts and prayers are with you
Sorry to hear of their loss. My heart goes out to them. May God bless their family through this difficult time.
Looks like Chekov is gonna have to bury his Boner.
Oh. no. I am so, so, sorry. This was the worst case scenario, and I am sorry that he died.
Mr.Koenig, i wish to offer my prayers for you…
you, and your family will be in my thoughts
These so called anti-depressant medications don’t work as well, if at like people think they do. I have tried between fifteen -twenty different pills. None of them did much of anything other than giving me extremely awful side effects. The SSRIs were a false hope. There is nothing out there that can really, truly guarantee an end to depression for some people. And all of the will power in the world can not pull you out of the deep dark endless pit of depression. All of the moments you are awake are pure torture. People say we are selfish for wanting to end our lives but are you not selfish in some ways for wanting someone to continue on day after day in agony? I am sure they will find the cure for this one day and when they do suicides will stop for the most part. Until then the pain continues for all involved.
sorry u feel like that Uriah Sky.
I have, am suffering from depression and although I have thoughts of suicide the thing stopping me is what I know it does to thoes you leave behind.
condolences to walter & family, all the best.
Trekboi and Uriah Sky, hold on. There is hope. I too was in your situation but I broke out. Apparently it is a hereditary trait. But, there is hope. I feel you pain (as I was there).
You are correct. The ones you leave behind would be devastated. Though, your primary goal is to take care of YOU. To strive to find away to break the cycle. You can do it. You can. There is hope.
Just hold on. Take the days one day at a time. My typed text might seem empty words but we all need you. And you have a place in this life.
Just think…you have even had an impact by posting on this board. We don’t know you but you are one of us. Take care of you and seek any path at any cost to throw off this depression. It can be done.
I also would like to express my condolences to the entire Koenig family. A death like this is difficult to deal with when you’re not a celebrity; to have to be more fodder for the 24 hours news cycle makes it that much more difficult.
If you’ve read all the comments down to this point, perhaps in a month or so, we as Star Trek fans can come to some type of agreement that wherever we are online, and in real life, we will give of our time, talents, energy and money to each other and to groups that support either those suffering from severe depression and/or the familes of those who have to deal with this loss, much like the Koenig’s will have to suffer for years after the camera’s go away.
We are Trek fans. Forget whatever our differences are…joining as an entire “federation” to support those (whether or not they’re a fan) who suffer in this way, or have to carry a loss of this type for the rest of their lives, would probably be one of the greatest triumphs to come from this tragedy, and an enduring legacy of our fandom.
If we want it to be, it won’t be “just a TV show”…positive fandom can be a way of life.
#286, 287, 288.
Uriah Sky and Trekboi, I can’t add anything to rogue_alice’s words, but God bless you and keep at it.
#273 To Colonel West — and anyone else offended by my give-and-take with Unforgiven — I am sorry if it struck you as tasteless. But I felt I should speak out. People who commit suicide, and the loved ones they leave behind, deserve nothing but compassion.
Tribute to Andrew……Possibly one of the best Joker imitations out there…..also Kurt Carly aka Capt Pike STNV as the predator…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hjp0I_okX0w
Please, my friends, Suicide is a common result sometimes to a falty tratment. It has little to do with “wanting” to die. Maybe he failed to look for proper tratment. But it’s too late to do anything now. Uriah should consider psychotherapy as well, or simply look for more experienced doctors. Depression doesn’t have a “cure”, only “remission”. I know that because I’m doing treatment for depression too. And I know that patients should always be accompanied, and their medication must be given by someone else. Patients can’t have the means for suicide at hand. They can’t even be left alone. A friend of mine, while vacationing at Disney World, apparently having fun, returned to the hotel supposedly to rest, and jumped out of the window. It´s a serious condition, and the right tratment sometimes is hard to get. My condolescences to the Koenigs. And may Andrew rest in peace, knowing that hundres and hundreds of peolple are praying for them.
This is absolutely terrible news – my deepest sympathies & prayers to Mr Koenig and his wife and family.
Depression is an awful thing to suffer from and affects more people than one might imagine. It really should be taken seriously by everyone concerned.
God Bless.
First, my sincere condoleances to Andrews parent and family. It is a huge loss and shouldn’t have happened this way. Parents should not outlive their children, ever.
I pray for strength for the Koenig family and hope they will find peace in the fact that they can close this painful chapter by the return of Andrew, albeit not alive…
Depression is a killing disease and only those who have had firsthand experience with it, know how devestating it can be. For themselves, and for their loved ones and family.
Andrew can rest now, in peace.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Koenig family on their loss. I can only imagine the pain and suffering they are going through during this difficult time. After listening to Walter and Judith on the news, I never realized how serious depression can be. Hopefully the family will be able to have some closure and go through the grieving process.
I’m so very sorry, my heartfelt condolences to the Koenig family on this devastating news.
In regards to the issue of suicide, it’s a complex issue that science has been unable to adequately explain and there is no cure. Suicide is a sensitive topic that is also devestaing beyond imagination. What we have to remember is that there are no “right” or “wrong” ways with dealing with the loss of a loved one to suicide. Sadness, shock, grief and even anger are perfectly natural feelings in the wake of a tragedy such as this. I think the most important strategy is understanding. Listening to people who may be sad. Trying to understand why they can’t cope. And letting them know they aren’t alone. But sometimes, such as in the case of the Koenig family sadly, it isn’t enough. We are not gods. We are human. We fail. But we must also reach out to our fellow humans who are in a state of despair and despondency. Life is often cruel. But people don’t have to be.
Awareness and hope are the best weapons we have against depression and suicide. We may not be able to save everyone who is suicidal, but we can change the minds of many who feel worthless. Once again, my condolences to the Koenig family.
#283 “Looks like Chekov is gonna have to bury his Boner.”
No. It is Walter, Judy and the rest of the Koenig family who have to bury their son Andrew. Its every parent’s worst nightmare. This thread is no place for jokes. Please show some respect.
I am very saddened to hear the news that Andrew Koenig has taken his life.
My hopes and prayers go out to the Koenig family and I hope people and the press leave them alone and let them grieve at this time.
NO ONES TO BLAME
No ones to blame
Life is too hard for some
Too easy for others
While many will cope
Some will just bury there fears
While suicide is self inflicted
Its very nature is environmental
So while we struggle to find the reason
And to give this reason a name
It’s like the storm that brought down the fragile plane
No ones to blame
(c)2010 by W. J. Bordeleau
RIP Andrew.
My deepest sympathies…
For the Koenig family, I’m sorry for what happened. May Andrew’s spirit rest in peace…
Families don’t get over a thing like this
My deepest condolences goes to the Koeing family. This is one thing that I hope I never have to bear as a parent and I can only imagine what they are going through.
Hopefully, all these thoughts sent out into the universe will guide his spirit home and lift your spirits if just a little.
Godspeed Andrew.
My deepest sympathies and prayers to the Koenig family. I know how difficult suicide of a loved one is to deal with. Rest in peace, Andrew.