Cory Monteith died from 'mixed drug toxicity involving heroin and alcohol'

Cory Monteith died from a mixed drug toxicity involving heroin and alcohol, it has been revealed.

Results from the 31-year-old's post-mortem were confirmed today (July 16) by the British Columbia Coroners Service.



In a video posted on YouTube, coroner for the British Columbia Coroners Service Barbara McLintock stated: "We do now have a cause of death in the tragic death of Cory Monteith, and that cause of death was a mixed drug toxicity and it involved heroin primarily and also alcohol."

Clarifying that he was found dead on July 13 and had been staying in his hotel room for about a week, she went on: "That's really all the information we have at this point. The coroner's investigation is continuing. Mr Monteith's family is of course aware of the circumstances of his death, and we do, on behalf of them, ask for privacy as they go through this grieving process."

She then added: "We should also say that there is absolutely nothing at this point, no evidence to suggest that this is anything other than the most sad and tragic accident. The coroner's service won't be making any further comments on this issue until their investigation is finally concluded."


> Cory Monteith 1982-2013: Obituary of the Glee star
> Cory Monteith: Finn's top 10 musical performances on Glee
> Glee star Cory Monteith dies: Life in pictures
> Gwyneth Paltrow pays tribute to Glee's Cory Monteith
> Cory Monteith was in great spirits days before death, says friend

Affectionate tributes to Monteith from friends have poured in following the tragic news of his death.

Glee co-stars to have paid tribute to their late friend include Darren Criss, who wore a black ribbon at a premiere in New York yesterday (July 15); Naya Rivera, who described him as "a special part of this world... [who] will forever be missed"; and Matthew Morrison, who dedicated a song to him during a live performance this week.

Girlfriend Lea Michele's representative released a statement asking that "everyone kindly respect Lea's privacy during this devastating time".

Watch Cory Monteith talking to Digital Spy about the meaning of Glee in 2011:


Cory Monteith - life in pictures:

Copyright: Rex Features