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.” He was out with people earlier in the night, but video footage and other evidence suggest he returned to his room alone.

The coroner’s office said a post-mortem examination had determined “a mixed-drug toxicity involving heroin and alcohol” was the cause of death.

The 31-year-old Canadian actor played Finn Hudson in the Fox TV musical comedy that has surged in viewers and ratings since its 2009 debut.

Although he played a high-school hunk with a warm soul and a tremendous voice, Mr Monteith has battled off-screen demons for years. Last treated for drug addiction in April, he had previously been very candid about his long battle with addiction.

Mr Monteith told Parade magazine in 2011 that it was a serious problem and he was “lucky to be alive”.

In that interview, he said he was using marijuana and drinking by age 13. He said his drug use was “out of control” by 16, and he first received treatment at 19.

“I’m not Finn Hudson,” Mr Monteith had said of his tumultuous adolescence.

His untimely death adds to the ever-growing list of young, talented celebrities that have fallen victim to substance abuse, from Heath Ledger to Amy Winehouse.  Detoxing from heroin causes withdrawals – for further information, click the link.

A representative for Lea Michele, Mr Monteith’s on and off-screen girlfriend, told People Magazine: “Lea is deeply grateful for all the love and support she’s received from family, friends, and fans. Since Cory’s passing, Lea has been grieving alongside his family.”

Likewise, celebrities have taken to Twitter to offer their condolences and praise tribute for the lost star. 

 

The Fox network and the producers of Glee called Mr Monteith an exceptional performer “and an even more exceptional person”.

Image via Getty