Art imitates life in next week's episode of Glee. The show's lovable Finn Hudson will die in the episode — just as the actor who plays the character, 31-year-old Cory Monteith, did in real life after overdosing on heroin and alcohol in July.
The preview video, above, shows his McKinley High friends coping with the loss. Monteith's onscreen and offscreen girlfriend, Lea Michele, is shown breaking down in tears.
See also: Fans Cry as Lea Michele Tears Up About Cory Monteith at 'Teen Choice'
Monteith was found dead July 13 on the 21st floor of a Vancouver hotel. After an autopsy was conducted, the BC Coroners Service revealed he died as the result of "a mixed drug toxicity, and it involved heroin, primarily, and also alcohol."
Michele first addressed Monteith's death on Twitter on July 29, with this tweet:
Thank you all for helping me through this time with your enormous love & support. Cory will forever be in my heart. pic.twitter.com/XVlZnh9vOc
— Lea Michele (@msleamichele) July 29, 2013
Weeks later, Michele dedicated an honor she won at the Teen Choice Awards to Monteith. "He was very special to me and also to the world and we were very lucky to witness his incredible talent, his handsome smile and his beautiful, beautiful heart," Michele said in the 65-second speech. "So whether you knew him personally or just as Finn Hudson, Cory reached out and he became a part of all of our hearts, and that's where he'll stay forever."
How do you think Glee's showrunners will address Finn's death on the show? Let us know in the comments.
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Image: Kevin Winter/Getty Images