Lea Michele learned of Cory Monteith's death on girls' night out In happier times ... Actors Matthew Morrison, Lea Michele and Cory Monteith at Glee's 300th musical performance special in 2011. Glee star Lea Michele had just returned from a holiday in Mexico and was enjoying a girls' night when she learned of Cory Monteith's tragic death. The 26-year old actress "started screaming" when she received the heart-breaking news of her 31-year-old boyfriend's death, according to People.com. She was distraught. No one knew what to say. It was horrible. She couldn't believe it," an unnamed source told the magazine. Cory Monteith and Lea Michele at the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on June 8, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. The call came from a friend who was adamant that Michele was informed of the news from someone close to her. In an attempt to avoid a deluge of paparazzi at her house, she was taken to a friend's house that night. "She needed to get out of her house, it was extremely emotional," according to People.com. Canadian-born Monteith was found dead in a Vancouver hotel on July 13, after overdosing on a toxic concoction of heroin and alcohol. The Glee heartthrob had been battling a drug and alcohol addiction since his teenage years. Michele, who had been dating Monteith for over a year, stood by her co-star and real-life beau when he admitted himself to rehab to recover from substance addiction in April. Whilst Michele has yet to speak publicly about her loss, she expressed her thanks in a statement saying she was "deeply grateful for all the love and support she's received from family, friends and fans." Michele mourned her boyfriend's death with his family at a private cremation ceremony in Vancouver last Tuesday.