Glee star Cory Monteith dies in Canada hotel

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Monteith had played front man and heartthrob Finn Hudson since the hit musical comedy's start in 2009

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Glee star Cory Monteith has been found dead in a Vancouver hotel.

The 31-year-old, who played Finn Hudson in the Fox TV hit, was found dead at the Pacific Rim Hotel in the city centre on Saturday, said police.
The cause of death was not immediately apparent, but police have ruled out foul play.
Monteith, who had been in the musical comedy since its 2009 start, was treated for drug addiction in April, and had a history of substance-abuse.
His body was found by Pacific Rim staff after he missed his check-out time at midday on Saturday, said Vancouver's Deputy Police Chief Doug Lepard. Monteith had been dead for several hours, he added.
The actor had returned to his room at the Pacific Rim alone early on Saturday morning having been out with friends earlier in the evening, said Mr Lepard.
Calgary-born Monteith had checked into the hotel on 6 July.
In response to a question about whether the actor died of a drug overdose, Mr LePard said he would "not discuss anything that we might have found in the room at this time".
Coroner Lisa Lapointe said: "We do not have a great deal of information as to cause of death."
An autopsy is scheduled for Monday.
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Monteith described himself on Twitter as "tall, awkward, canadian, actor, drummer, person".

He was treated for drug abuse aged 19 and had been open about his battle against addiction, telling one interviewer he took "anything and everything".
When he entered rehab in April this year, girlfriend Lea Michele issued a statement saying she loved and supported Cory. "I am grateful and proud he made this decision," she added.
Michele played Monteith's opposite number Rachel Berry in Glee, which follows a group of American secondary school misfits in their quest for singing contest glory.

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Doug LePard, Deputy Police Chief: "Monteith returned to his room by himself in the early hours"

Known for its melodic covers and celebrity cameo appearances, Glee's four series had made global celebrities of its cast. The show featured guest spots by Britney Spears, Gwyneth Paltrow and Neil Patrick Harris.
Cory Monteith had not featured in the final episodes of the fourth series earlier this year and was understood to be seeking treatment for his addiction issues.
He had been expected to take part in the filming of the fifth series, due to air in the US in September.
TV network Fox offered its thoughts and prayers to Monteith's family.
"Cory was an exceptional talent and an even more exceptional person," said a statement by Fox. "He was a true joy to work with and we will all miss him tremendously."
Glee co-stars expressed their shock at his death and offered condolences to his loved ones.
Dot-Marie Jones, who plays the butch-but-sensitive American football coach at Glee's William McKinley High, tweeted: "I have no words! My heart is broken. Cory was not only a hell of a friend, he was one amazing man that I will hold close to my heart forever."
Iqbal Theba, who plays the school's Principal Figgins, tweeted simply: "OMG!! My Cory..."

What are your memories of Cory Monteith? Did you ever meet him? Please send us your comments and experiences.

George Zimmerman not guilty of Trayvon Martin murder

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George Zimmerman, the Florida neighbourhood watchman who shot dead an unarmed black 17-year-old male last year, has been found not guilty.

Lawyers for Mr Zimmerman, 29, argued he acted in self-defence and with justifiable use of deadly force in the death of Trayvon Martin.
The jury retired on Friday to consider its verdict on charges of either second-degree murder or manslaughter.
The case sparked a fierce debate about racial profiling in the US.
Spontaneous protest marches were staged overnight in US cities including San Francisco, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington and Atlanta, US media reported.
Police and community leaders appealed for calm in Sanford, the Florida town where the shooting took place.
'No further business'

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Defence attorney Don West: "The prosecution of George Zimmerman was disgraceful"

After the verdict, Judge Deborah Nelson told Mr Zimmerman he was free to go.
"Your bond will be released. Your GPS monitor will be cut off when you exit the courtroom over here. And you have no further business with the court," Judge Nelson said.
Mr Zimmerman showed little reaction as the verdict was read out.
"Hopefully everyone will respect the jury's verdict," his lawyer Mark O'Mara told reporters after the case.
He said Mr Zimmerman would now have to be "very cautious and protective of his safety because there is still a fringe element who have said that they would revenge - that they would not listen to - a verdict of not guilty.