Star Trek actor Walter Koenig's son found dead

Former Growing Pains actor Andrew Koenig was found dead in a wooded area of a sprawling Vancouver downtown park where he enjoyed spending time, apparently after committing suicide.

The actor's father, former Star Trek star Walter Koenig, said "my son took his own life," and police spokeswoman Jana McGuinness said: "I'll let Mr Koenig's words speak for themselves."

Ms McGuinness, speaking at a press conference at the park, said foul play was not involved, but said she could not be more specific because the coroner was taking over the investigation.

"He was obviously in a lot of pain," Walter Koenig said, referring his son's depression.

Andrew Koenig, 41, had a recurring role on the 1980s sitcom as Richard "Boner" Stabone, a pal of star Kirk Cameron's character, Mike.

The native of Venice, California, hadn't been seen since February 14, when he was visiting friends in Canada.

He was supposed to return home two days later. His parents reported him missing on February 18, then asked the public for help finding him a few days later.

On Tuesday, Vancouver police and three search-and-rescue teams looked for any signs of Koenig throughout Stanley Park, which covers more than 1,000 acres.

Friends and family decided to try again on their own and one of them found Koenig's body near a marsh in a heavily wooded area about 100 feet off the Bridle Path.

Ms McGuiness said the body could not be seen from the walking path.

The elder Koenig, who played Pavel Chekov on the original Star Trek TV series, was nearby when the body was found. Hours later, Koenig and his wife, Judith, issued a statement at a police station in the park.

They said Andrew had been depressed and urged others who are having trouble coping to seek help. Earlier they had said that he had seemed detached to his friends and had given away his belongings.

"If you are one of those people who can't handle it any more, know people are out there who really care before you make that final decision," Walter Koenig said. "Talk to somebody."