On July 13, 2013 actor Cory Monteith was found dead in a hotel room in Vancouver. Monteith was most well known for playing Finn Hudson in Fox’s hit show “Glee” and also for his relationship with co-star Lea Michele.

The Huffington Post reported that Monteith’s death was confirmed as a “toxic mix of heroin and alcohol.” He was 31. Monteith had previously admitted to a struggle with addiction, checking himself into rehab for the second time in March. He had developed a drug problem growing up in Canada and was trying to recover with the support of girlfriend, Lea Michele.

After news of Monteith’s death broke, Lea Michele asked for privacy for herself and Cory’s family. A rep for Michele told PEOPLE Magazine, “We ask that everyone kindly respect Lea’s privacy during this devastating time.”

Other “Glee” stars shared their grief on twitter. Harry Shum Jr. who plays Mike Chang, tweeted “At this time, please send nothing but love and light. This tragic news still doesn’t seem real to me. I love you Cory.”

Mark Salling, who plays Puck on the show, and was close friends with Cory off-screen, tweeted a devastating “no” shortly after Monteith’s death was confirmed. ABC News reported that his tweet was later deleted, but was re-tweeted by fans thousands of times.

Many other stars reached out to share their condolences, including guest star Kristin Chenoweth, among others.

After this heart-wrenching tragedy, many “Glee” fans were curious to see what creator Ryan Murphy had planned for the show and the character of Finn Hudson. Shortly proceeding Monteith’s death, Murphy announced that “Glee” would have the character of Finn die after an accidental drug overdose. However, more recently, Murphy told US Weekly that the death would be more vague, deciding to not have him “pass from heroin and alcohol toxicity.”

On Friday August 23, the Cory Monteith tribute episode, entitled “The Quarterback,” went into production. According to the Huffington Post, many original cast members of the series are planned to return for this special episode. As production began, Lea Michele tweeted a picture of her wearing a “Finn” necklace.

Co-star Jane Lynch, who plays Sue Sylvester of the show, tweeted after reading the script, saying, “[it was] the most beautiful thing.” It is yet unclear how the show will continue with Monteith’s absence. Murphy has not commented on future story lines or the adding of new characters.

Right now, it seems that the entire cast is trying to cope with their great loss. Matthew Morrison who playes Mr. Shue, commented, “We’re in the middle of filming it, and it’s incredibly hard. We’ve mourned Cory, but now we’re mourning Finn. So it’s kind of like two people in that one person.”

Lea Michele gave a touching tribute to her late boyfriend at the Teen Choice Awards. “I wanted to dedicate this award to Cory, for all of you out there that loved and admired Cory as much as I did. I promise that with your love, we’re going to get through this together. So whether you knew him personally or just as Finn Hudson, Cory reached out and he became a part of all our hearts and that’s where he’ll stay forever,” she said.

And for Iona students who knew Cory as Finn Hudson, they are grieving alongside the “Glee” cast.

Junior Kaitlyn Richter said, “I think it’s important that we remember Cory Monteith for the inspirational person he was instead of remembering him for the disease that ended his life. Addiction is a terrible thing and he made an effort to change his life, which is something that he should be admired for.”