Addiction Led to Disappearance, Missing South Bay Producer Said

A Hollywood visual effects producer who went missing last month before resurfacing in Mexico says his disappearance was caused by an “emotional and physical breakdown” brought about, in part, by addiction.

“I am an addict,” Eric Kohler wrote in a post on his Facebook page.

“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,” he wrote. “This emotional and physical breakdown caused me to desert the people I care for and most importantly care for me.”

The 27-year-old Kohler said he is seeking professional treatment for his addiction, which he did not detail.

Kohler was last seen leaving work at Vitality Visual Effects in Gardena about 4 p.m. on Nov. 24. He left without his wallet, laptop or other personal belongings. He was reported missing after not showing up at home for Thanksgiving.

Family members told the Bay Area NBC affiliate KNTV-TV that Kohler never missed work, especially because he had been working on a major project with a strict deadline, the Los Angeles Times reported.

“He had big ambition to work hard and that’s what he’s been doing and something bad happened,” said his mother, Sheryi Kohler.

The Los Angeles Police Department has said foul play was not suspected.

Police found Kohler in La Paz, Mexico, some 10 days after his disappearance, according to The Times.

In his Facebook post, Kohler expressed gratitude to those who got involved after he vanished.

“Words will never be able to fully articulate the gratitude and appreciation I have for everyone who got involved,” he wrote. “It’s such a blessing to see how many people actually do care.”

Kohler has worked on such films as “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Moonrise Kingdom,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” “Looper,” “San Andreas,” and “The Revenant,” The Times reported.

--City News Service