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'X-Men' Visual Effects Producer Says Addiction Led To Disappearance
A Hollywood visual effects producer who went missing last month and was later found in Mexico says addiction is partly to blame for a breakdown that led to his disappearance.Eric Kohler, who vanished on November 24 and resurfaced on December 4, spoke out about the circumstances that led to his disappearance for the first time in a Facebook post on Sunday, reports the L.A. Times. In the post, Kohler admits, "I am an addict," explaining that his addiction led to a downward spiral, which he says, "can only identify as a frenzy."
“Through a state of exhaustion fueled by the stress and high expectations that were put on me, and the life I chose, my addiction escalated and I mentally snapped,” Kohler wrote. “This emotional and physical breakdown caused me to desert the people I care for and most importantly care for me.”
Kohler says he is currently seeking treatment for his unspecified addiction. And while he says he doesn't wish to go into the details that led to the disappearance, he says he felt compelled to finally speak out, "to promote an advocacy for the struggle and hardships that addiction can cause not only on yourself, but ALL of those around you whether they are strangers or not."
Three weeks ago I disappeared. As a result of my unconscious selfishness in a downward spiral it caused what I can only...
Posted by Eric Kohler on Sunday, December 20, 2015
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Kohler, whose credits include San Andreas, X-Men: Days of Future Past and The Grand Budapest Hotel, was last seen leaving work at Vitality Visual Effects in Gardena about 4 p.m. on Nov. 24. He was seen driving his new Range Rover, but left behind his wallet, laptop, and other personal belongings. His family reported him missing when he didn't come home for Thanksgiving. Following a widespread search by family, friends and authorities, the LAPD released a statement 10 days later saying they had located him in La Paz, Mexico, although Kohler's sister, Kristina Loren, released a statement at the time disputing that he was found.
"Words will never be able to fully articulate the gratitude and appreciation I have for everyone who got involved," Kohler also wrote in the post. "It's such a blessing to see how many people actually do care.”
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