Cory Monteith Dead: 'Glee' Actor Found Dead At Pacific Rim Hotel

It's with a heavy heart that I share that Glee star Cory Monteith was found dead at Vancouer's Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel Saturday. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the 31-year-old was discovered at noon on the 21st floor. No cause of death has been determined at this time. Foul play isn't suspected, but police are questioning the folks he interacted with the previous night. Hotel staffers found him in his room after he missed his 12 p.m. checkout July 13.

The Canadian, who chose to go to rehab earlier this year, had a substance abuse problem from an early age and first sought treatment at age 19.

"I'm lucky to be alive," he told Parade in 2011, revealing that he'd stolen some money from a family relative before trying to change his ways. "At that point the family came together and basically said 'If you don't get yourself under control, we are going to go to the police and press charges.' This became a serious wake up call."

The celebrity divulged that he always felt like an outsider growing up and rarely saw his military dad: "I never fit in, so I started pretending I was other people. I’d find people I thought were cool and dress how they dressed, talk how they talked, do whatever they were into."

The writer said of Monteith's story: "Cory's message overall is 'I was as bad off as anybody could be and I found my way back.'"

Glee's executive producers released an official statement early Sunday morning via Facebook: "We are deeply saddened by this tragic news. 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."

Monteith had his big break in 2009, when Glee first aired. The show exploded in popularity, and last year, it was revealed that he and co-star Lea Michele, with whom he had amazing onscreen chemistry, were an item in real life. 

Just last month, the adorable pair were seen strolling around LAX hand-in-hand. Michele, who has yet to make a public statement on her boyfriend's sudden passing, told People of his decision to go to rehab this year, "I love and support Cory and will stand by him through this. I am grateful and proud he made this decision." She also tweeted a cute photo of the two of them with a friend in June.

As a huge Monteith and Glee fan, this news absolutely ripped me to shreds. I'm thinking of the entire cast as well as his family and friends right now.