Cory Monteith: A Canadian Tragedy

Yesterday I woke to the news that Cory Monteith, known to many as Finn Hudson on Fox's worldwide hit Glee, had passed away. He was found 'clearly dead' by hotel officials when he failed to check out of his hotel room in Vancouver's Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel on Saturday morning. While the cause of death is still unconfirmed, Vancouver Police have determined that foul play was unlikely.

I remember when  Glee first aired. I wasn't a fan from the get-go but I became highly attached to the lovable characters soon after the show debuted. I realize that celebrities and regular everyday people pass away every day but for some reason I feel like this death has struck a note. I can't tell you how many times I laughed and cried with the characters in Glee. I may be 27 but every issued they dealt with on the show, I had dealt with at some point in my life and it was hard not to relate.

Cory was 31 and had so much life to live. He went from being an at-risk teenager almost forced to live on the streets of Vancouver to a singing sensation that thousands (if not millions) of people loved. His goofy, wholehearted jock persona on Glee was lovable and sweet and he was hard not to like. Never forgetting his roots he was constantly visiting British Columbia and always spoke out about what he believed in. Never quiet about his drug-induced past, he wasn't afraid to let people know that he fell off the saddle - but he never let that stop him from doing what he loved.

Obviously there are questions surrounding his death, many wondering if it was another tragic overdose that seems to plague young stars. I really truly hope that this isn't the case. Call me selfish but he did so many things to change his life, including entering rehab for drug addiction. He had so many positives in his life, including his beautiful girlfriend, Lea Michele, right by his side when times were tough. If it were by chance an overdose I really hope that this issue doesn't get swept under the rug. Drug addiction, as is any addiction, is a sickness. People need to learn more about this so they are able to help those they love so situations like this don't happen. Living with someone who has an addiction, I know that it's not easy on them or their family members. It's tough but in order to want to live life to the fullest you have to want to get help.

My heart is hurting right now. I'm still in disbelief that such a young and promising life was taken too soon. My heart goes out to Lea Michele. I can only imagine how hard it must be for her right now. Mere days ago she was dreaming of her wedding and marrying her love, and now she has to plan the funeral. I hope and pray that the media gives her the space she asked for and deserves. To Cory's friends and family, I may only be one person but my thoughts are with you right now. Just know that there are many many people around the world that share your grief.

Rest in Peace Cory Monteith. May your beautiful personality and smile live on through Glee and all the charity work you advocated. You will be missed.

photo courtesy of cp24.com

Cory Monteith

May 11, 1982 - July 13, 2013