Cory Monteith of ‘Glee’ found dead in hotel at 31; costars react

Cory Monteith, who played Finn Hudson on the Fox show “Glee,� was found dead Saturday afternoon in a Vancouver, Canada, hotel room, according to law enforcement. He was 31.

The Canadian-born actor was found in his room at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel around noon Saturday after he failed to check out. He’d been dead for several hours, and there was no evidence of foul play, authorities said.

“We do not have a great deal of information as to cause of death,� British Columbia Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe told Associated Press, saying further tests and investigation were needed. An autopsy was scheduled for Monday.

PHOTOS: Cory Monteith dies; ‘Glee’ star was 31

Video and electronic records from the hotel showed Monteith leaving with friends Friday night and returning alone early Saturday, acting Vancouver Police Chief Doug LePard told the AP. The actor is believed to have been alone when he died, he said. The friends who had been with him Friday night were being interviewed.

Monteith was dating 26-year-old costar Lea Michele, who was not in Vancouver with him. “We ask that everyone kindly respect Lea’s privacy during this devastating time,� her rep told People on Sunday. Michele had publicly supported her man during his recent stint in rehab.

Word that Monteith had voluntarily checked into rehab went public April 1. He was out before the end of the month, according to E! News. It was his second rehab stint; he had also gone through a program at age 19.

PHOTOS: Celebrities who died young

Monteith’s last appearance on “Glee� was in the episode “Sweet Dreams,� which saw his character at college and aired April 18.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic news,� Fox said in a statement. “Cory was an exceptional talent and an even more exceptional person. He was a true joy to work with and we will all miss him tremendously. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.�

“At this time, please send nothing but love and light,� tweeted costar Harry Shum Jr. “This tragic news still doesn’t seem real to me. I love you Cory.�

“OMG!! My Cory...,� Iqbal Theba tweeted late Saturday. The actor, who plays Principal Figgins, followed up Sunday with, “I have spent last night hugging my 10 yr old. May God give us the strength to deal with this Tragedy. I love u Cory

Dot-Marie Jones, who plays Coach Bieste, used all caps for emphasis, though we won’t repeat them here:�I have no words! My heart is broken Cory was not only a hell of a friend he was one amazing men that I will hold close to my heart forever,� she wrote. “I am blessed to have worked with him and love him so much! My heart is with hid family and our whole Glee family! I love you all!

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Associated Press contributed to this report.

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