Cory Monteith Autopsy Completed, Initial Results Of Cause Of Death Should Be Available Tuesday

An autopsy on “Glee” star Cory Monteith was scheduled for Monday, July 15, following his sudden death over the weekend. A spokesperson for the BC Coroners Service confirmed on Monday evening that the autopsy was completed.

E! News reports that spokeswoman Barb McLintock confirmed the completion of the autopsy on the 31-year-old Canadian actor, as well as toxicology samples taken for testing. Monteith, who played Finn on the popular Fox series, was found dead in a Vancouver hotel room on Saturday. A source within the Vancouver Police Department initially said the cause of death would be available in as little as two or three days due to “intense public interest,” and McLintock said that initial results “should be available Tuesday.” However, if the results are inconclusive, additional testing may be required to establish an official cause.

McLintock told the Hollywood Reporter that Monteith’s family will be the first to get the results. “We don’t want them reading stuff in the newspaper or on websites first,” explained the spokeswoman.

Although foul play has been ruled out, the coroner’s officer wouldn’t respond to speculation that drugs played a role in Cory Monteith’s untimely death. While the actor’s past struggles with substance abuse have been a focus of media reports, Monteith’s cousin Richard Monteith is asking fans not to pass judgement when the toxicology reports are released.

“Please don’t judge on what is gonna be coming out,” Richard Monteith told Global BC TV. “Glass half full -- All the good things that he’s done. There’s more things on that side to focus on.”

“Don’t use the last chapter to judge someone’s life,” he continued. “Because his life is full of beautiful stories and failures and successes. It doesn’t matter about his problems. It matters about the lives he changed. It matters that he was genuine.”

Cory Monteith checked himself into rehab in April to treat substance abuse. His rep confirmed the news at the time, stating that the actor was working toward recovery. Monteith had the support of his girlfriend and “Glee” costar, Lea Michele. Following his admittance into rehab, Michele tweeted, “I love and support Cory and will stand by him through this. I am grateful and proud he made his decision.” He was released from the facility after about a month.

Before his death, Monteith was getting ready to return to the set of “Glee” to begin filming its fifth season. Radar Online also reports that the actor had been planning to move in with 26-year-old Michele, his girlfriend of a little over a year.

Lea Michele’s rep issued a statement on Sunday asking that “everyone kindly respect Lea’s privacy during this devastating time.”

Cory Monteith was found in his hotel room after he missed his check-out time. Hotel surveillance cameras show the “Glee” star returning to his room alone early that morning after spending Friday night out.