| webdesign by Patty Wright, original graphics by Vengaurd. copyright 2006-2010 by Star Traveler Publications website contact: walterkoenigsite(at)comcast(dot)net |
| Andrew Koenig 1968-2010 |
| Site last updated March 9, 2010 |
| This Page simplified for easier viewing and to allow greater usage. To visit the rest of Walter's Official site go here. |
The family is truly touched by the outpouring of support and love, and it means a great deal to them. They greatly appreciate your thoughts, prayers, and support: it is bolstering their spirits in this difficult time. Due to the response, the guestbook is closed, but anyone wishing to send them a note may due so by using the Forum (no registration required- REALLY) or emailing: walterkoenigsite(at)comcast(dot)net (after they're read, emails will be printed and bound in a scrapbook for the family) Thank you for your understanding. |
Andrew Koenig – actor, director, writer, producer, editor, activist - passed away this month in
Vancouver, British Columbia after a long battle with depression.
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 China's refusal to sanction the
Burmese government's violation of the human rights of its people before the United Nation's
Security Council.
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.
“My son took his own life,” said his father: “If you're 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.
His mother added: “I ask you all to familiarize yourselves with signs you may rationalize away.
Don’t rationalize away anything. Connect with each other if there is something bothering you.
There is love out there.”
Andrew's Work on YouTube Andrew's Burma Photographic Journal
Andrew at Monkey-Go-Lucky.com Andrew's Blogs
Andrew's Videos and Blogs on MySpace
Kobe Raps Back Instinct vs. Reason
| IMPORTANT NOTE FROM THE KOENIG FAMILY!!! Andrew's disappearance has sparked an enormous and deeply heartwarming outpouring of support by people around the world. It has touched many who also suffer or know someone who suffers depression and may have thought of suicide, and helped give them inspiration during their difficult times. In response to those who are reaching out, the website team is posting here helpful information regarding suicide. If you are considering suicide, please, if you take anything from this event, remember that there are people who care about you who will be saddened by your loss. Suicide is a permanent solution for a temporary problem and should never be an option. If you are feeling desperate, alone, or hopeless... or know someone suffering, please don't delay...call for help. US National Suicide Hotline Toll-Free / 24 hours a day / 7 days a week 1-800-273-TALK 1-800-273-8255 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) Deaf Hotline |
WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE:
* Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
* Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
* Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person
* Feeling hopeless
* Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
* Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities - seemingly without thinking
* Feeling trapped - like there's no way out
* Increasing alcohol or drug use
* Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
* Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
* Experiencing dramatic mood changes
* Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life
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.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK A PERSON IS HAVING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
* Ask the person directly if he or she (1) is having suicidal thoughts/ideas, (2) has a plan to do so, and (3) has access to lethal
means: This won’t increase the person’s suicidal thoughts. It will give you information that indicates how strongly the person has
thought about killing him- or herself.
* Take seriously all suicide threats and all suicide attempts. A past history of suicide attempts is one of the strongest risk factors for
death by suicide.
* There is no evidence that “nosuicide contracts” prevent suicide. In fact, they may give counselors a false sense of reassurance.
* Listen and look for red flags for suicidal behavior, indicated by the mnemonic:
IS PATH WARM?
Ideation—Threatened or communicated
Substance abuse—Excessive or increased
Purposeless—No reasons for living
Anxiety—Agitation/Insomnia
Trapped—Feeling there is no way out
Hopelessness
Withdrawing—From friends, family, society
Anger (uncontrolled)—Rage, seeking revenge
Recklessness—Risky acts, unthinking
Mood changes (dramatic)
HOW TO BE HELPFUL FOR SOMEONE WHO IS TALKING ABOUT OR THREATENING SUICIDE
* If you think a person might harm him or herself, don't leave them alone.
* Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
* Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
* Be non-judgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value
of life.
* Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
* Don't dare him or her to do it.
* Don't act shocked. This will put distance between you.
* Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
* Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.
* Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
* Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
* Tell them you're going to get them some help. Give him or her a helpful resource – Send 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Tell him/her they
are available 24/7 for anyone in suicidal crisis in the United States
* Take his/her words seriously and respond with compassion
* Encourage him/her to reach out for help to a friend, family member, counselor, clergy and other community members
* If the person online is saying he/she is going to kill him or herself at that moment or is in the process of attempting suicide, please try
to find his/her location and call the local police or 911.
* Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
* Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
* Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person
* Feeling hopeless
* Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
* Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities - seemingly without thinking
* Feeling trapped - like there's no way out
* Increasing alcohol or drug use
* Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
* Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
* Experiencing dramatic mood changes
* Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life
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.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK A PERSON IS HAVING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
* Ask the person directly if he or she (1) is having suicidal thoughts/ideas, (2) has a plan to do so, and (3) has access to lethal
means: This won’t increase the person’s suicidal thoughts. It will give you information that indicates how strongly the person has
thought about killing him- or herself.
* Take seriously all suicide threats and all suicide attempts. A past history of suicide attempts is one of the strongest risk factors for
death by suicide.
* There is no evidence that “nosuicide contracts” prevent suicide. In fact, they may give counselors a false sense of reassurance.
* Listen and look for red flags for suicidal behavior, indicated by the mnemonic:
IS PATH WARM?
Ideation—Threatened or communicated
Substance abuse—Excessive or increased
Purposeless—No reasons for living
Anxiety—Agitation/Insomnia
Trapped—Feeling there is no way out
Hopelessness
Withdrawing—From friends, family, society
Anger (uncontrolled)—Rage, seeking revenge
Recklessness—Risky acts, unthinking
Mood changes (dramatic)
HOW TO BE HELPFUL FOR SOMEONE WHO IS TALKING ABOUT OR THREATENING SUICIDE
* If you think a person might harm him or herself, don't leave them alone.
* Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
* Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
* Be non-judgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value
of life.
* Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
* Don't dare him or her to do it.
* Don't act shocked. This will put distance between you.
* Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
* Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.
* Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
* Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
* Tell them you're going to get them some help. Give him or her a helpful resource – Send 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Tell him/her they
are available 24/7 for anyone in suicidal crisis in the United States
* Take his/her words seriously and respond with compassion
* Encourage him/her to reach out for help to a friend, family member, counselor, clergy and other community members
* If the person online is saying he/she is going to kill him or herself at that moment or is in the process of attempting suicide, please try
to find his/her location and call the local police or 911.
| A VERY special thank you to Robert Mauro of A. I. Built.com for stepping up to help to ensure this website remains up and running for everyone during this time of need! |
| DONATE IN ANDREW'S MEMORY In lieu of flowers and cards, Walter and Judy request that donations, of any size, be made to one of the causes most important to Andrew. The three they suggest to choose from are: * The US Campaign for Burma * Heal the Bay * Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services |
| "I get arrested" by Andrew Koenig |