Tributes pour in for 'Glee' star Cory Monteith, found dead in Vancouver hotel room

A stuffed moose and a note are placed at a small memorial for Canadian actor Cory Monteith outside the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel where he died Saturday, in Vancouver, B.C., on Sunday July 14, 2013. Monteith's body was found in a room at the hotel Saturday. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)

Fans have been leaving flowers and other memorial items outside the Vancouver luxury hotel where “Glee” actor Corey Monteith died early Saturday morning.

Among the mourners was cousin Richard Monteith, who struggled to hold back tears as he placed flowers outside the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel, where the Canadian-born actor was staying during a visit from Los Angeles.

“He’s my cousin, but I would like maybe not to talk right now,” a visibly shaken Monteith said. “A little bit more time, please.”

An autopsy is expected to take place Monday, and police have said foul play is not suspected in the 31-year-old actor’s death.

Monteith shot to fame in the TV series ‘Glee’, in which he played high school football star Finn Hudson.

“Cory was an exceptional talent and an even more exceptional person,” Glee executive producers posted on the show’s Facebook page Sunday. “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 was found dead in his room on the 21st floor of the hotel in Vancouver at about noon Saturday, according to police. His body was discovered by hotel staff after he missed his check-out time.

Monteith was born in Calgary and grew up in Victoria, where his mother still lives. He broke into the business with small roles in the Vancouver film and television scene.

He has spoken openly up about his struggles with substance abuse in the past. In April, Monteith voluntarily checked himself in a rehab for substance addiction.

He also received treatment when he was 19, and had previously talked about his addiction struggles, saying he had a serious problem and took just "anything and everything."

He told Parade magazine in 2011 that he was "lucky to be alive."

Glee co-stars react to death

While many of Monteith's 'Glee' co-stars remained silent following the tragic news, a few took to Twitter to express their condolences.

“I have no words,” tweeted actress Dot-Marie Jones, who plays the Glee character coach Shannon Beiste. “My heart is broken. Cory was not only a hell of a friend, he was one amazing man that I will keep close to my heart forever.”

Nolan Gerard Funk, who played the part of Hunter Clarington on Glee, tweeted: “Thanks for always being kind Cory. You came a long way from hanging on the beaches in Vancouver with the gang pre Glee. Sending you love bud.”

The actor’s co-star and real-life girlfriend Lea Michele asked for privacy on Sunday.

"We ask that everyone kindly respect Lea's privacy during this devastating time," a representative told People.

Bonnie Fuller, editor of HollywoodLife.com, said Monteith’s death came as a shock to the TV industry.

“Despite the fact that he had admitted to having substance abuse issues, he had what was thought to have been a very successful stay in rehab and came out of rehab in April,” Fuller told CTV News Channel.

“The entertainment world has been reacting with shock and tremendous grief,” Fuller said.

Earlier this year, Michele told People magazine that she was proud Monteith was seeking help for his substance abuse issues.

Monteith's TV credits included roles on the series "Kaya" and "Kyle XY" and guest appearances on "Smallville," ''Supernatural," ''Stargate," ''Flash Gordon" and "Interns." His film credits included "Final Destination 3," ''The Invisible," ''Deck the Halls" and "Whisper.”