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How Canadians reacted to Cory Monteith’s death

Glee star succumbed to a toxic mix of heroin and alcohol in B.C.

The sudden death of “Glee” star Cory Monteith left Canadians in a state of shock earlier this week, when he was found in a Vancouver hotel room after a night out with friends. An autopsy later confirmed what many had feared: the Canadian actor, a recovering drug addict, had died from a lethal combination of heroin and alcohol.

The loss was palpable; fans mourned with family, others joined with their own tears. Debate stirred as the world lost another young talent to drugs.

Beyond the mourning, Monteith's sudden death prompted thought, introspection and discussion. His death split Yahoo! Canada News readers between those furious that another life had been wasted and those remorseful over the loss of another talented, but damaged, person.

[ Related: Cory Monteith died from overdose of heroin, alcohol: coroner ]

Yahoo! reader JLL expressed remorse at the tragic death. "No one should have to die this way," JLL wrote. "I would never wish the disease of addiction on anyone. It's a very tough one that many just don't seem to understand. My thoughts go out to the family. RIP Cory Monteith."

And while many readers agreed, there were others who felt Montieth should be held accountable for the pain he caused his family.

"Was Cory thinking for his family and friends? Did he think of (actress girlfriend Lea Michele) and all she has done for him?" Janice asked. "For the sake of our own children, he can't go down in glory. The one silver lining in this is that Michele now has a chance of a life she deserves. Cory picked heroin over his family, over his job."

Another reader, Spaz_td, took umbrage with those who described the death as an accident, writing: "It's not an accident. He made a terrible and stupid decision to take Heroin and Alcohol. Having just gotten out of rehab he knew the risks of what he was doing - he wasn't a stupid man. Tragic? Yes. Accident? No."

Others agreed. Backdraft1 wrote, "They're tragic, but not accidental. An accident is something you have no control over and couldn't prevent. That's not the case with mixing drugs and alcohol, tragic as it is."

Yet several Yahoo! Canada News readers called for understanding, urging Canadians to consider the plight of the drug addict.

"Too many are being hard on him. He got hooked as a teenager. Blame the drug pushers in B.C. too," londaee3 wrote. "It shows you how hard it is to break an addictive habit. He had the world at his feet and yet he couldn't keep clean. A tragic tale, and one that repeats far too often in this country."

[ More Brew: Cory Monteith found dead in Vancouver hotel ]

Glen agreed, calling for understanding. "He wasn’t hurting anyone, but himself, and the sad part was he was probably only trying to get away from some sort of pain!" he wrote. "Most addictions arise because of not knowing how to deal with serious issues. Addiction can happen to anyone, it’s not like humans wake up and say 'I think I'll become an addict today.’"

But the most powerful comments came from Yahoo! Canada readers who shared personal stories of tragedy and heartbreak, like this story from a commenter using the name "Imagine."

My Father got hepatitis C from needle sharing during heroin use. He was also an alcoholic. When I was 13 he finally got clean, but it was already too late. He died at 54 in his sleep. He met only one of his Grandchildren and left behind a lot of people who miss him dearly.

If you're a drug addict at least use clean needles. Stop if you can, especially if you have children. They deserve you. You deserve to live a healthy and happy life. You're so worth it and I can't stress it enough that you are so very important even if you don't feel it. The pain of loss of a loved one with something so preventable is a very deep and hurtful pain. Please get help and learn to cope with whatever is inside you that you need dealt with. You deserve to be happy. Much love to all those coping.

Imagine's story prompted an extensive discussion about the effects drug use has on family members. Keith H. wrote, "Drug users are completely selfish and their messed up minds aren't capable of the same awareness as non-druggies. It's complete madness and stupidity to use any kind of hard drugs."

Kate Kite, however, shared her experience working with heroin addicts at a downtown outreach centre and had another view.

"Some of the best people I have ever met are heroin addicts," Kate Kite wrote. "Many are dead now I am sure. But, only people who know true pain can have real compassion and these people had compassion and kindness. Do they deserve clean needles? You're goddamn right they do. They deserve a chance. It is hard to recover from addiction and the odds are stacked against people who are addicts, but they deserve all love, care and compassion and serives our society can give them!!!"

What most commenters seemed to agree with is that Monteith, a shining star with a bright career ahead of him, fought personal demons and lost. Monteith had been open about his struggles with drug addiction. He sought treatment. Ultimately, it was not enough.

A commenter named Viper shared an experience he had with an addicted friend, who could not stay clean. "A friend of mine was found on the lawn of his apartment this weekend. He was alive, passed out from a combination of drugs and booze. Only a question of time before he ends up in the morgue," Viper wrote.

The commenter's reaction is telling. No matter how much we want to help, healing can only begin when an addict is ready is open to it.