The BC Coroners Service has completed its investigation into the death of actor Cory Monteith and has released its final report into Mr. Monteith's death.

Coroner Claire Thompson concluded that Mr. Monteith, aged 31, died of mixed drug toxicity, involving intravenous heroin use combined with the ingestion of alcohol.

The death has been ruled Accidental.

Mr. Monteith was found deceased in his room at the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel in downtown Vancouver, B.C., shortly after noon on July 13, 2013. He had checked into the hotel on July 6 and had been expected to check out on the 13. When he had not done so, hotel staff checked his room and found him unresponsive on the floor.

Investigators at the scene found drug paraphernalia, including a spoon with drug residue and a used hypodermic needle, along with two empty champagne bottles and glasses. The investigation confirmed that hotel video captured Mr. Monteith returning alone to his room at 2:16 a.m. on July 13, and that he was not seen alive again.

It was also confirmed that he had a history of illicit drug use with intermittent periods of rehabilitation and of abstinence from drugs. It is noted that if someone has abstained from using opioids (which include heroin) for a period of time, tolerance may be lessened.

The full text of the Coroners Report may be found at: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/coroners/publications/docs/20131002091811.pdf

A video clip of this information is available on YouTube at: http://youtu.be/2pdcYgSODLo

The Coroners Report is considered the final comment on the cause and circumstances of a death. The BC Coroners Service will not be responding to requests for interviews or further information about the investigation and/or findings.

Contact:

Barb McLintock
Coroner, Strategic Programs
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253