A friend of mine is missing. There are two theories as to his disappearance. On Monday, February, 22, 2010, I posted an article providing the basic information about his disappearance. [1] Andrew is best known for his role as “Boner” in the 80’s TV series Growing Pains. It is also now well known that Andrew’s father is Walter Koenig, who played Pavel Chekov in Star Trek. However, for me, Andrew is known as an environmental and human rights activist. Andrew is a lifelong vegan. Andrew is a man of conscience, a rebel with a cause, a man that walks his talk. Andrew is the real deal. And for that, I love Andrew and will always consider him my friend and he is always welcome in my home. Andrew is one of the heroes on this planet.
Andrew has long suffered from depression. Andrew is not into heavy alcohol use or drugs. While I shared some beers with him, he is a man of moderation. However, Andrew gets “moody.” Andrew is a smart, funny, and usually fun loving man. Occasionally, Andrew gets in one of those moods. Essentially, that means he gets a bit anti-social, sometimes a bit short with people. Nonetheless, he is a really a kind and gentle man. And so friends just give him a little space when he is in one of his moods. Most that were (like myself) or are close to him seem to have just accepted his moodiness as just a part of his beautiful, yet corky personality. According to a press conference that Andrew’s parents gave today, Wednesday, February, 24, 2010, Andrew had been on anti-depression medication but decided to go off them about a year ago.
According to some friends, nearly three weeks ago, Andrew cleaned out his Venice, California apartment and planned to “start over again,” in Vancouver, B.C. He had lived up in the area from 1989 to 1992. Before arriving in Vancouver, he visited a couple of friends in Toronto and Montreal. Once in Vancouver, he stayed with his friend Jenny Magenta. Andrew stayed at Ms. Magenta’s place until Valentine’s Day. That is when she last saw him. She says Andrew left a simple thank you note on the bed in the guest room and disappeared. He was to take a flight back to L.A. on February, 16, 2010. That was the Tuesday of last week. When he failed to catch the flight his friends and family began to get concerned. Police now say that the 16th was the last day Andrew used his ATM and his phone was on. On that same day, Andrew’s father received a letter from his son which he described as having a, “despondent tone.” The family contacted Ms. Magenta which led to a police investigation. Here is a copy of Jenny Magenta’s facebook page on Friday, two days later:
“Looking for information on Andrew Koenig. My friend has gone missing since he stayed w. me and Jay
Fri at 3:16pm
Hi everyone..we are trying to locate Andrew.
He left our friends Jennifer and Jesse’s in Toronto on the 10th and came to Vancouver and stayed with me for a few days. I last saw him on the evening of the 14th.
He was sched to fly to LA on the 16th but didn’t take his flight.
I am in contact with his parents and the detectives on the case.
The police are involved and have a lot of information and evidence pointing to the fact that he most likely has not left the lower mainland of Vancouver, BC.
This is a very sensitive case that requires due care and respect.
***At this time I will not be accepting any facebook friend requests unless I know you directly***
******VERY IMPORTANT*******If anyone from the media contacts you about Andrew, please do not make any statements without prior consultation with the Vancouver Police Department or direct contact with his family.
*******************If you have seen him, emailed him or had any contact after the 14th/15th or spent time with him during his stay in Vancouver, BC Canada and the police HAVE NOT contacted you yet, please call Detective Raymond Payette and his phone is 604-717-2534 and provide the information you have. Please do not post random speculation or sensationalist information on the internet.
Please do not call 911.
We hope to find him in this busy city of ours and will do all we can.
I have known Andrew for over 15 years and am working as hard as I can with the VPD to assist in locating him.
Thank you all so much.
Thank you and peace.
Hold your loved one’s close to you. Never be afraid to ask for help………..” [2]
Sunday, February, 21, Andrew’s Hollywood connections started tweeting and text messaging friends letting people know Andrew was missing. His story hit the A.P. wire and papers. Thanks to many of his friends, his story has gained international attention. We know that his phone last received a text in the Stanley Park area where he frequently visited a bakery nearby. Over the last few days, police and friends have canvassed all the business and combed through every inch of the park to find any evidence of Andrew, to no avail.
Wildman theory: I like many of his friends are subscribing to the Wildman theory. Many people who have known Andrew over the years believe Andrew could be on a walkabout, a vision quest, or some might say a soul searching. I am one that subscribes to that possibility. Andrew has long been a passionate supporter of indigenous people, their rights, and their way of being. Andrew is a gentle man that has long believed in the “Do No Harm Doctrine” of the progressive environmental, human, and animal rights community. I believe Andrew is out rediscovering himself.
Suicide Theory: This is the theory we all dread. We all love Andrew so much and too much to contemplate such an outcome and yet we must look at it. I for one am trying to deny it. But, that is perhaps the problem. No one wants to believe that that could be possible. However, Andrew’s sister, Danielle said today, Wednesday, 24, 2010, that she believes suicide is possible. And then, this afternoon, Walter Koenig updated his website to include this information about suicide prevention:
“RED FLAG WARNING SIGNS-
* A previously depressed person who is suddenly happy. This often means they’ve come to a decision to end their life.
* Actions that signal they are planning for death:
* Giving away their possessions, particularly favorite things or things with sentimental value.
* Making out wills.
* Arranging for the care of pets.
* Extravagant spending or paying off debts.” [3]
Mr. Walter Koenig, I hear you loud and clear and I am still putting my money on the Wildman theory. Your son is a hero and I’ll never see him any other way. Regardless of the outcome.
Stats: Andrew is 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs about 135. He has shoulder-length hair and brown eyes. The missing persons hotline for the Vancouver PD is 604-717-2530. Please help us find a fine son, brother, and friend.
[1] https://www.groundreport.com/Business/Where-is-Andrew-Koenig/2918336
[3] http://www.walterkoenigsite.com/