Dianna Agron, Cory Monteith's GLEE co-star, has issued a statement after the actor's sudden death last weekend.
Agron played a former flame of Monteith's character on the popular show. She and other GLEE costars have been shocked with Monteith's tragic death, including his girlfriend Lea Michele, who is said to be utterly devastated.
Agron issued a statement Wednesday on her co-star's death. "Cory is so deserving of that place in everyone's hearts. He was one of the most generous and kind people that I have ever met. He had a smart, curious mind, he was an enormous talent. He was loving to not only me, but my family. My heart goes out to his family, to [girlfriend] Lea [Michele], to everyone that is struggling with the loss of our friend. We will miss you Cory. We will always carry a piece of you with us."
Meanwhile, another GLEE cast member, Naya Rivera, also issued a statement. "The entire Glee family and I are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Cory was and always will be a part of my own family and a good friend. He was a special part of this world and will forever be missed. My heart goes out to Cory's family and Lea and while we are grateful for everyone's well wishes, privacy during this time of grief is greatly appreciated."
Monteith, 31, died July 13 at a hotel in Vancouver, Canada, after a lethal concoction of heroin and alcohol. He was cremated on July 16. Plans of a funeral and memorial service have not been revealed as of yet.
The actress revealed a statement Tuesday after the results of the autopsy were revealed. In a statement to PEOPLE, Michele's representative said: "Lea is deeply grateful for all the love and support she's received from family, friends, and fans. Since Cory's passing, Lea has been grieving alongside his family and making appropriate arrangements with them. They are supporting each other as they endure this profound loss together. We continue to ask the media to respect the privacy of Lea and Cory's family."
Michele and Monteith had been scheduled to film the fifth season of Glee in mid-August. Now producers must figure out how to explain the loss of Monteith's character on the show, with Michele having to act it out.
The pair was reportedly very happy together and had been inseparable. They had been pictured together on numerous events, and Michele had supported Monteith when he went into rehab for substance addiction in April. She told People magazine: "I love and support Cory and will stand by him through this. I am grateful and proud he made this decision."
Michele had told Marie Claire magazine earlier this year: "I don't even remember a time when he wasn't my boyfriend. No one knows me better than Cory. No one knows what it's been like to go through this more than he does," she told Marie Claire magazine. "Feeling like you have that net underneath you allows you to jump higher and go farther…He makes me feel like I can do anything. For the first time in my life, I feel really, really settled and happy. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world."
