This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-23338486

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Cory Monteith: Glee star died from alcohol and heroin Cory Monteith: Glee star died from alcohol and heroin
(about 9 hours later)
Cory Monteith, star of the hit TV musical comedy Glee, died from a heroin and alcohol overdose, a coroner in British Columbia has announced.Cory Monteith, star of the hit TV musical comedy Glee, died from a heroin and alcohol overdose, a coroner in British Columbia has announced.
The 31-year-old Canadian actor, who played Finn Hudson in the Fox TV hit, was found dead in a Vancouver hotel room on Saturday. The 31-year-old Canadian, who played Finn Hudson on the show, was found dead in a Vancouver hotel room on Saturday.
The coroner said there was no evidence to suggest his death was "anything other than a most tragic accident".
Monteith, who had been in the musical comedy since its 2009 start, was treated for drug addiction in April.Monteith, who had been in the musical comedy since its 2009 start, was treated for drug addiction in April.
Fox TV officials had described Monteith as "an exceptional talent". The actor is thought to have been alone when he died as hotel video and electronic records showed he returned to his room by himself early on Saturday, after spending time with other people.
In a statement, the coroner's office said: "There is no evidence to suggest Mr Monteith's death was anything other than a most tragic accident."
It said a post-mortem examination had determined "a mixed-drug toxicity involving heroin and alcohol" was the cause of death.
Monteith is thought to have been alone when he died because video footage and other evidence suggested he had returned to his room at the city centre Pacific Rim Hotel by himself after spending time with other people.
The alarm was raised when he failed to check out at midday on 13 July. He had been staying at the hotel for a week.The alarm was raised when he failed to check out at midday on 13 July. He had been staying at the hotel for a week.
Police said they believed Monteith had been dead for several hours before he was found.
Monteith's girlfriend Lea Michele, who starred alongside him in Glee, issued a statement saying she was "deeply grateful for all the love and support she's received from family, friends, and fans".
The statement, given to People magazine, said she had been "grieving alongside his family and making appropriate arrangements with them" and "they are supporting each other as they endure this profound loss together".
"We continue to ask the media to respect the privacy of Lea and Cory's family," it concluded.
RehabRehab
Monteith had previously talked frankly about struggling with addiction since he was a teenager.Monteith had previously talked frankly about struggling with addiction since he was a teenager.
He was treated for drug abuse aged 19 and later told one interviewer he took "anything and everything". He was treated for drug abuse aged 19 and later told one interviewer he took "anything and everything" and now felt "lucky to be alive".
Girlfriend Lea Michele issued a statement saying she loved and supported Cory when he entered rehab last April. He took time out from Glee to go into rehab in April, which meant he missed filming the final episodes of the fourth series.
Michele played Monteith's opposite number Rachel Berry in Glee, which follows a group of American secondary school misfits in Ohio who form the glee club in their quest for singing contest glory. At the time 20th Century Fox Television, which makes Glee, issued a statement of support saying the show looked forward to his return.
As Hudson, Monteith played the school's star quarterback who risks alienation by his friends after joining the club. The show follows a group of American high school misfits who form a glee club in their quest for singing contest glory.
Known for its melodic covers and celebrity cameo appearances, Glee's four series had made global celebrities of its cast. The show featured guest spots by Britney Spears, Gwyneth Paltrow and Neil Patrick Harris. Monteith played the school's star quarterback who risked alienation by his friends after joining the club.
Tributes Known for its melodic covers and celebrity cameo appearances, Glee's four series made global celebrities of its cast.
Singer Taylor Swift - who briefly dated Monteith in 2010 - led tributes on Sunday, writing on Twitter: "Speechless. And for the worst reason." The show has won a number of Emmy and Golden Globe awards and featured guest spots by Britney Spears, Gwyneth Paltrow and Neil Patrick Harris.
Rihanna tweeted: "Cory Monteith, may your spirit be at peace, and may you fly with the angels... Heartbreaking, my prayers are with all of his loved ones!"
Veteran actress Mia Farrow added: "Rest in peace Cory Monteith. Sad, very very sad."
A host of his Glee co-stars joined the tributes.
"How sad to read about Cory Monteith passing away. What a shame. He was a lovely, kind, talented guy and will be missed," wrote Neil Patrick Harris, who won an Emmy for his guest role on the show.
"RIP Cory Monteith," wrote fellow guest star Kristin Chenoweth. "You will be loved. Always."