Family Fears Andrew Koenig Harmed Himself

As the desperate search for Andrew Koenig continues, family members, including his famous father, are expressing concern he may have harmed himself.

Koenig, a co-star in the '80s sitcom "Growing Pains" and son of Walter Koenig, who played Chekov in the original "Star Trek," was last seen in Vancouver, Canada on Valentine's Day.

Walter Koenig went to Vancouver Tuesday to help look for his son, who left his Venice, Calif. home Feb. 4 after selling off all his possessions.

"He had a garage sale for several weeks, and whatever he didn't sell he put out to give away, and the public took whatever he left because he put a sign up, 'Free," ' says neighbor Arthur Luna.

Andrew struggled in his acting career after "Growing Pains" ended, reports "Early Show" national correspondent Hattie Kauffman, adding that he hoped to follow in his father's footsteps.

Walter observes that Andrew has "been depressed. You know, he's trying to get ahead in this business and he's been working at it a long time."

Kauffman points to online reports that Andrew, 41, has been despondent, turning down recent job offers.

A teary Walter Koenig says Andrew went to Vancouver "to see his friends. He has some very close friends up there, and Vancouver is the place that he really felt most comfortable at."

Steven Holyhead, another neighbor of Andrew's, says there "were times when he was happy-go-lucky and other times when, you know, I felt like I should reach out to him more."

Koenig's sister, Danielle Koenig, told "Early Show" co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez Wednesday the last ten days have been "sort of excruciating" for her family. "Very confusing. Surreal. I don't quite have my head wrapped around it yet. We just miss him so terribly and just desperately want to find him."

Danielle says she last saw her brother Jan. 31. "He was at my house for my birthday. We celebrated early, because he was gonna be gone in Vancouver, and so he came over.'

Did she notice anything particularly amiss?

"It's not that specific day," Danielle responded. "My brother has battled depression for quite a while. So, it's not like one incident. He has been sort of down lately, but he certainly was in an OK mood when I saw him. He was playing with my young son. That always brings a smile to his face."

Asked by Rodriguez whether she fears Andrew "could hurt himself," Danielle replied, "Yes. I do. We're all very concerned that -- obviously, that's the worst case scenario. We're hoping that he just maybe wanted to get lost for a little bit and, if he should somehow see this, I just want him to know that we're all desperately missing him, and we love him so much. I don't know if he knows just how much I love and admire him and respect him and, as you can imagine, this is quite devastating."

"If anyone sees him," Danielle continued, "if you think you see him, go up to him and ask if it's him and report it to the Vancouver police. … You just have to call (them). They're very well aware of it. Everyone has been searching for him."

Actor Alan Thicke, one of Andrew Koenig's co-stars on "Growing Pains," had similar words for Andrew, telling CBS News he'd tell Andrew, " call your dad, your dad wants to hear from you. Your dad wants to know you're OK. If you're hiding out for a bit or want to get elements of your life together, that's OK, but let your dad know you're alright."

Andrew "certainly created a memorable character," Thicke continued, "and I think that his absence these few days has proven how beloved and remembered he has been by friends and family and co-stars, fans."

Thicke considered Andrew part of the "Growing Pains" TV family, says Kauffman.

"My first reaction is, as a parent," Thicke says, "feeling for Walter, just the fact of not knowing where your child is at the moment.

"I'm hoping that he's seeing us, or seeing someone and taking all of that to heart and recognizing how beloved he has been and how badly we all want to hear from him."