Cory Monteith Dead Update: Lea Michelle Gives Official Statement on Death of Boyfriend and 'Glee' Star

The world as a whole was shocked when news broke this weekend that "Glee" star Cory Monteith had passed away. The attention soon turned to Monteith's girlfriend and co-star Lea Michelle and how she would be effected by the news. Undoubtedly Michelle was crushed, but her publicist released an official statement on Wednesday that established the actress was keeping her head up. 

"Lea is deeply grateful for all the love and support she's received from family, friends, and fans," the statement read. "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."

The couple had been dating for around two years after meeting on the set of the hit Fox television series. Rumors that the two were heading toward engagement were overrated, according to one source for Us Weekly, but the couple were planning on moving in together soon. 

Monteith was discovered dead in a Vancouver hotel on Saturday night, and an expedited autopsy confirmed that the actor had a mixture of alcohol and heroin in his system at the time of his death. Monteith had done rehab stints in the past, emerging from his most recent bout in April. It was believed that Michelle's influence was helping him stay out of trouble. The actress was not in the same city as him during the time of his death. 

There is no official word on when "Glee" will return to the air, but November is the earliest suggested date as producers consider how to deal with Monteith's passing with regard to the show.