Glee’ actor Cory Monteith was found dead on Saturday (July 13) at the age of 31, and his co-star Naya Rivera has released a statement about his passing.

"The entire 'Glee' family and I are deeply saddened by this tragedy," Rivera told The Hollywood Reporter.

"Cory was and always will be a part of my own family and a good friend," she went on to say. "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 played the part of Finn Hudson on the FOX musical drama series, while Rivera was cast in the role of Santana Lopez. The show's fifth season is set to premiere in September, but we still don’t know how the writers will handle this unfortunate turn of events.

The actor’s body was discovered in his hotel room in Vancouver, Canada last weekend. His girlfriend, fellow ‘Glee’ star Lea Michele, has yet to comment on his death and has asked for privacy as she copes with this devastating and unexpected loss.

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