Tragedy, sorrow, pain, grief, heartbreak — these words only began to describe the emotions of millions as fans across the world mourned the sudden deaths of both Cory Monteith and Talia Joy Castellano in July.
The heartbreak started in Vancouver, Canada on July 13 when thirty-one -year-old actor Cory Monteith, most known for his role on the hit television show ‘Glee,’ passed away in his Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel room. Hotel staff members went to look for the actor after he missed his checkout time, and found him on the floor, according to “Hollywood Reporter.” News stations officially reported his death later that evening. The following day, after Monteith’s body was examined, the British Columbia Coroners Service announced that his official cause of death was “a mixed drug toxicity, involving heroin and alcohol.”
The news of the unexpected tragedy distressed millions of Glee fans. “I thought it was a joke at first,” junior Olivia Geraghty said.
In an interview with Parade magazine from 2011, Monteith confessed to having a substance addiction. The actor stated that his abuse began when he was thirteen, and his addiction only increased over the years. Monteith willingly checked himself into rehab in April of 2013 to attempt to change his habits. His girlfriend and co-worker, Lea Michele, stood by him while in rehab.
‘Glee’ fans have been worried about how Monteith’s absence will affect the show. Fox announced that season five of ‘Glee,’ which was originally supposed to air on September 19, will now be moved to September 26. According to CBS News, the producers of ‘Glee’ have not revealed how they will handle Monteith’s character, Finn Hudson. Fans hope to see a tribute or an episode entirely devoted to Monteith.
If the news of Monteith’s death wasn’t devastating enough, the world grew even more sullen when thirteen-year-old Talia Joy Castellano passed away three days after Monteith when she lost her battle to cancer.
Talia was most known for her make up tutorials on YouTube. Although her chemotherapy made Talia her lose her hair, she continued to chase her dream of becoming a makeup artist. Her love of makeup first started when she was diagnosed with cancer six years ago. Her mom’s friend, who was also a survivor of cancer, inspired Talia’s passion for cosmetics. Her happy-go-lucky attitude and infectious smile earned her YouTube videos millions of hits.
Talia was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma, cancer of the abdomen, when she was seven years old. Doctors then found traces of leukemia in 2012. On July 16, a message was posted to her official Facebook page, Angels for Talia, that announced her death: “Talia has earned her wings at 11:22am… Please send your love and prayers to her family during this most difficult time.”
Ellen DeGeneres was particularly devastated upon hearing the news. “This year I met a very special girl,” Ellen tweeted, “And today we lost her. I’m so sad.”
Talia dreamed of meeting Ellen, and on September 13, she was able to be a guest star on the show. Ellen interviewed Talia about her illness, and Talia was able to go backstage and meet Ellen’s makeup artist. Additionally, Ellen made Talia an honorary CoverGirl and surprised her with a trip to the iHeartRadio Festival in Los Angeles, where she was able to meet her favorite stars like Usher and Demi Lovato.
Talia’s death had an impact on thousands of people, including students from Massapequa High School. “The strengths of the children who go through cancer are what motivates me to become a doctor today,” junior James Graham said.
When Ellen asked Talia why she was so upbeat, she answered, “What do you want me to do? Be depressed? A little fishy told me to ‘Just keep swimming!’”
Although the world lost two very inspirational people within the month of July, they will never be forgotten. Talia Joy Castellano and Cory Allan Monteith will forever be in our hearts, and the world will remember their impact and their presence here on Earth.