Lea Michele 'inconsolable,' releases statement following Cory Monteith's death
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Since Glee star Cory Monteith was tragically found dead in a hotel in Vancouver over the weekend, fans have waited to hear from the late star's onscreen/off-screen girlfriend, Lea Michele. However, the star is understandably hesitant to be in the public spotlight at the moment.
In a statement released to PEOPLE through her rep, Michele has asked to be allowed to grieve in peace.
"We ask that everyone kindly respect Lea's privacy during this devastating time."
The 26-year-old Michele met the 31-year-old Monteith on the set of the hit FOX musical-comedy, embarking on a highly-publicized romance with the actor. When Monteith entered rehab for substance addiction in late March, the actress fully supported her boyfriend's decision.
"I love and support Cory and will stand by him through this," she told PEOPLE at the time.
The couple reunited in April after Monteith completed a month-long treatment. At the time, Monteith tweeted: "Sending out big love to everyone. thank you for the continued support! It means the world to me! :)"
Michele added her own thoughts on Twitter, saying, "Today is a great day :) Love you all! Xo."
The couple was last photographed together in May on vacation in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Monteith was found dead at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in Vancouver shortly after noon on July 13.
In the wake of Monteith's death, a source close to Michele told Hollywood Life that the actress “is absolutely hysterical and completely inconsolable,” adding that the actress "is devastated beyond belief.”
Michele, who was in Mexico at the time of Monteith’s passing, “was shaking when she heard the news,” said another source to New York Daily News.
Twitter exploded with an outpouring of grief from friends, fans and celebrities alike, following Monteith's death.
Mark Salling: “going through a million memories and emotions today. ill love you always Brother Cory.”
Selena Gomez: “This hurts. I love you Cory. Rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.”
Kristin Chenoweth: “RIP CoryMontieth. You will be loved. Always.”
Adam Shankman: “Goodbye my amazing and beautiful friend. The lights in my world just grew dimmer. The world just lost one of our best. I love u so much…”
Kim Kardashian: “Just heard about the death of Cory Monteith. So sad. Prayers 4 his family. Praying 4 Lea too! Words cant describe what they must be feeling”
Lauren Potter (Becky): “I am totally heartbroken right now. I love Cory so much this hurts my heart… I hope my #glee family is ok right now. I love them all.”
Dot-Marie Jones (Coach Bieste): “I HAVE NO WORDS! MY HEART IS BROKEN CORY WAS NOT ONLY A HELL OF A FRIEND HE WAS ONE AMAZING MEN THAT I WILL HOLD CLOSE TO MY HEART FOREVER… I AM BLESSED TO HAVE WORKED WITH HIM AND LOVE HIM SO MUCH! MY HEART IS WITH HID FAMILY AND OUR WHOLE GLEE FAMILY! I LOVE YOU ALL!”
Taylor Swift: “Speechless. And for the worst reason.”
Zooey Deschanel: “This is such sad news about @CoryMonteith – what an absolutely tragic loss of a very talented young man.”
Kaley Cuoco: “Please tell me it’s not true… #CoryMonteith no words. Prayers. Thoughts w his family. This is terrible. Can’t speak.”
Nina Dobrev: “I’m gutted. Shocked and saddened to hear the news, my heart goes out to Cory’s family and friends. Lets respect their space as they grieve.”
Mario Lopez: “RIP Cory Monteith… Such a nice guy, very down to earth. Incredibly sad….”
Joel McHale: “Way too soon. A very nice & good guy.”
Sophia Bush: “I saw him a few weeks ago in NY, looking so happy. heartbreaking… #corymonteith”
NeNe Leakes: "I hate 2 see such a great young actor leave us so soon! RIP @corymonteith my prayers r wit u.”
Via: PEOPLE / Extra / Hollywood Life