With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Cory Monteith Died Of Heroin, Alcohol Overdose [UPDATED]
Cory Monteith at the 18th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards in January 2013. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
()
Glee star Cory Monteith died of "mixed drug toxicity" involving heroin and alcohol, British Columbia Coroners Service revealed Tuesday.
The 31-year-old was found dead in his hotel room at the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia on Saturday. No foul play was suspected and authorities initially said that there was no sign of illicit drug use.
"It should be noted that at this point there is no evidence to suggest Mr. Monteith's death was anything other than a most-tragic accident," the service stated about the autopsy and toxicology tests they'd conducted on Monday. They said the investigation is "continuing" and a final report will be released later.
Monteith had just completely a stint in rehab in April. He'd talked openly about his substance abuse problems but was reportedly serious about getting sober.
Support for LAist comes from
No funeral arrangements have yet been announced for the actor, although it's believed he'll be buried in his native Canada.
Ironically, the actor's final film role is, as director Josh Waller told Us Weekly, that of a "young, drug addicted street hustler" opposite David Morse in the upcoming indie McCanick.
"He sent me a really beautiful email that evening just stating how much excitement he had and how much pride he had on the work that he had done," Waller told the magazine. "Which I'm glad, because I know I thought he did an incredible job." And you know sometimes for actors it's hard to watch themselves on screen or to acknowledge when they've done a good job, and he didn't come right out and say, 'I did great!' But he was very proud."
UPDATE, 3:36 p.m.: At a press conference this afternoon, as reported by NBC News, Vancouver police Constable Brian Montague agreed with the coroner, saying, "This was an overdose and a tragic accident." Contradicting earlier police statements that there was no sign of illicit drug use, Montague said, "there was evidence in the room that was consistent with a drug overdose."
He added that foul play was ruled out because "there was nothing suspicious or out of the ordinary, no signs of struggle or robbery."
He said that the police investigation is now over and they likely won't be looking into who supplied the actor with the drugs.
Monteith was due to begin working on the fifth season of Glee in two weeks. No announcements have yet been made about how the Fox series will handle his loss.
Support for LAist comes from
Related:
Cory Monteith Autopsy: Police Say Nothing Indicates Drug Use
Hours Before His Death Cory Monteith Told 'Glee' Director: 'I Am Feeling Fantastic'
'Glee' Star Cory Monteith Found Dead In Vancouver Hotel Room
'Glee' Star Cory Monteith Checks Into Rehab
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Immigration raids have caused some U.S. citizens to carry their passports to the store, to school or to work. But what documents to have on you depends on your citizenship. -
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high.
Best of LAist