Cory Monteith died of a seemingly accidental overdose of heroin and alcohol, according to Canadian authorities.
The 31-year-old, who was found dead on Saturday, had a lead role in
the musical-comedy series ‘Glee’ and was publicly known to struggle with
substance abuse issues. In April 2013, Monteith voluntarily completed
treatment at a rehab facility and had also been treated in a facility
when he was 19.
The British Columbia Coroners Service confirmed cause of death in a
press release on Tuesday, stating that the actor, who was found in a
Vancouver hotel room, died of “mixed-drug toxicity involving heroin and
alcohol.”
Monteith’s death does not seem to have been deliberate: “There is
absolutely nothing at this point, no evidence to suggest this is
anything but the most sad and tragic accident,” confirmed spokesperson
for the Coroners Service, Barb McLintock
.
Police in Vancouver believe the actor returned to the hotel in the
early hours of Saturday morning and was alone when he died: “There was
evidence in the room that was consistent with a drug overdose,”
spokesman Brian Montague said.
He went on to add that the Vancouver Police Department’s conclusion
was backed up by the Coroners Service report, but would not disclose
details of the evidence found in the star’s hotel room.
Lea Michele, Monteith’s on and off-screen girlfriend, is said to be
with his family. Representatives for Michele issued a statement on her
behalf on Tuesday. It read in part: “Since Cory’s passing, Lea has been
grieving alongside his family and making appropriate arrangements with
them. They are supporting each other as they endure this profound loss
together.”
The fifth season of ‘Glee’, which has won Golden Globe, Emmy and
Peabody awards, is due to premiere on US broadcaster Fox on September
19. Monteith’s character Finn Hudson, was intrinsic to promoting the
ongoing theme of tolerance in the series. His death is expected to deal a
major blow to the show.
“Energetic entertainer, Terry G, launched his fourth album, Book Of Ginger, at the ThisDay Dome, Abuja, on 5 July.
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