'Glee' star Monteith died from heroin and alcohol mix

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"Glee" star Cory Monteith died of an overdose of heroin and alcohol, the British Columbia coroner's office ruled Tuesday.

Monteith, 31, who had struggled for years with drug abuse and once said he was lucky to be alive, was found dead in his hotel room in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Saturday after he didn't check out on time.

He was believed to be alone when he died, the Associated Press reported. The hotel's camera footage and electronic records indicate he returned to his room by himself early Saturday. Foul play has been ruled out.

"There is no evidence to suggest Mr. Monteith's death was anything other than a most tragic accident," the office said in a statement.

At a briefing held on Tuesday afternoon, police said they believe Monteith had been dead several hours before his body was discovered. They said the coroner's report didn't indicate the levels of heroin or alcohol in his system.

"Our belief is that when he took the heroin he was alone," said Vancouver Police Department spokesman Brian Montague, adding, "There was evidence in the room that was consistent with a drug overdose. We're not providing exactly what we found at the scene."

Police said it was too early for the coroner's office to conclude whether Monteith was the victim of a bad batch of heroin, which turns up from time to time in Vancouver.

"Glee," with its catchy song-and-dance numbers and high-profile guest stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Britney Spears, became an instant hit when it debuted in 2009. Monteith served as the show's resident hunk with a heart of gold. The show's producers have called him an exceptional performer "and an even more exceptional person."

The publicist for Monteith's girlfriend and "Glee" co-star, Lea Michele, released a statement Tuesday. "Since Cory's passing, Lea has been grieving alongside his family and making appropriate arrangements with them," it said. "They are supporting each other as they endure this profound loss together."