Cory Monteith Dead UPDATE: Toxicology Reports Could Take All Week, Cousin Richard Monteith Says GLEE Actor's 'Problems' Not What Are Important
GLEE star Cory Monteith was found dead in a Vancouver hotel room on Saturday (July 13). The 31-year-old actor long had troubles with drugs and alcohol, having completed rehab twice in his short life and being open with the struggles of substance abuse. He last admitted himself to a rehab facility in April.
Due to the intense public interest, Canadian officials have sped up the autopsy procedures and toxicology reports. Typically, a toxicology report could take weeks to complete, but British Columbia Coroners Service have fast tracked the procedure. The autopsy is reportedly happening today, according to USA Today.
Foul play was ruled out immediately after Monteith's body was discovered. He was seen entering his hotel room alone. Additionally, despite the trouble star's history with drugs and alcohol, Sgt. Randy Fincham told the Associated Press there was nothing to immediately indicate an overdose.
Slowly, Monteith's family and close GLEE costars are beginning to open up about his death. Richard Monteith, Cory's first cousin, told Globalnews.ca that people should not judge the star after the autopsy results are released, regardless of their outcome.
"There is going to be ridicule about - he has done this or that - and I just hope people know it is not about that... His life was full of beautiful stories, triumphs, failures and successes that it does not matter what his problems were. It matters how many lives he changed and that he was genuine," the cousin said.
Richard called Cory his "hero" and said that "even though he is not here, he is still here. Even though he is gone, he is not gone. His light still shines in me, and in his family and all his fans."
Meanwhile, Mark Salling who plays Puck on GLEE has tweeted his thoughts on his costars passing: "going through a million emotions and memories and emotions today. ill love you always Brother Cory."