Autopsy, toxicology to reveal how ‘Glee’ star Cory Monteith died

An autopsy is underway to reveal how ‘Glee’ actor Cory Monteith died this weekend in Vancouver.

The 31-year-old, best known for his role as Finn Hudson in the popular TV series, was found dead in his 21st floor room at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel Saturday after he failed to check out from his room as scheduled.

A Vancouver police briefing Monday morning provided no new information, but reiterated that foul play is not suspected – and he was alone when he died. Police have not answered questions about any evidence of drug use.

Coroner Barb McLintock said an initial examination of the scene didn’t turn up any obvious causes of death, and toxicology testing is necessary to determine how he died. Results will not be available for several days, she added.

“We do understand there’s a lot of public interest in this case so we’ll try to get it done in as good a time as we can without compromising the integrity of the investigation or the testing,” McLintock said.

The Calgary-born, Victoria-raised actor had been very open in the past about his problems with substance abuse. Monteith said he was an “at risk” youth growing up in Victoria, later dropping out of high school and binging on drugs and alcohol.

He voluntarily checked into rehab as recently as April this year.

But people close to Monteith say he was in good spirits before he died. One of the show’s directors said he’d touched base with him just hours before his death, and heard he was “feeling amazing.”

A memorial of flowers, letters and stuffed animals is growing outside of the Vancouver hotel where Monteith died.

Vancouver police have gathered video surveillance from within the hotel and records of how the room’s key fob was used in the hours leading up to the actor’s death.

Vancouver police Sgt. Randy Fincham said the department is fielding hundreds of calls each hour from media organizations around the world.

“This has gone from a local story to a national story to an international story based on his local reputation, his local success, leading into his international success and international reputation,” Sgt. Fincham told reporters at a packed press conference Monday morning.

“To say that he reached people in a large number of homes would be an understatement.”

Monteith’s family spoke in a press release saying they are in shock and mourning the tragic loss.

His co-star and girlfriend Lea Michele, who plays Finn's on-screen girlfriend in ‘Glee,’ also issued a brief statement, requesting privacy.