Mike on Crime

By THE CANADIAN PRESS

VANCOUVER, B.C. – The actor famous for playing Russian crew member Pavel Chekov on the original Star Trek series is imploring anyone with suicidal thoughts to seek help.

Walter Koenig confirmed at a news conference today in Vancouver’s Stanley Park that his son had committed suicide and that his body has been discovered in the park.

With his voice shaking, Koenig said he’s received hundreds of emails from people who say they, too, are suffering and have considered death as a way out of their problems.

Koenig spoke to them directly, saying there are people out there who really care and begging them to talk to someone.

To families who are worried about loved ones, he urged them to extend a hand.

Andrew Koenig, 41, disappeared on Feb. 14. He was best known for his role as Richard “Boner” Stabone in the 1980s sitcom “Growing Pains.”

Earlier this week, his father told a news conference at the Vancouver Police Department that his son suffered from depression and that the family worried he may harm himself.