'Glee' Star Cory Monteith's Parents Die Weeks Apart, Nearly 12 Years After His Passing – Details

A double tragedy has touched the family of the late "Glee" actor more than a decade after his untimely death.

Two separate obituaries revealed that Cory Monteith's parents, Ann Marie McGregor and Joe Monteith, died within weeks of each other. News of their passing prompted heartfelt reactions from netizens, many of whom reflected on the family's earlier loss.

According to Prairie View Chapel, Ann Marie died peacefully on June 18, 2025, in Shirley, British Columbia, at 74. She spent her later years gardening and creating art on her rural property, where she lived with her partner, Cornelius, and several pets. Her family remembers her as a strong and creative woman.

She is survived by her son Shaun, her four siblings, and their families. Her parents, William and Sjoukje McGregor, and her younger son, Cory, preceded her in death.

Just five weeks earlier, Cory's estranged father, Joe, died on May 12 at 75, according to Oromocto Funeral Homes. Born in Saint John, New Brunswick, Joe served 25 years in the Canadian Armed Forces before retiring. He spent his summers at a family trailer along the Canaan River and cared deeply for animals.

The deaths of Cory's parents prompted a wave of sympathy online. One person said of Anna, "Poor thing was just heartbroken 💔, May she RIP and be at peace with her family in Heaven." Another wrote, "They're all together again 🙏🏾🕊."

A third commented, "That close in passing- means they were soulmates 🫶 prayers for the family in this time of loss," while someone else remarked, "Such sadness in this family, but hopefully they are united once again."

More reactions surfaced on social media. "They are all reunited ❤️💔," one commenter stated, while another added, "Oh no! Sad fate for his family." Someone shared, "ohhh no, thats sad to hear. hearing this brings back painful memories [sic]."

Another typed, "So sad… they are all together singing with the angels in heaven." Referring to Cory, one netizen noted, "Soon is also his death anniversary 😢[sic]."

The deaths of Ann Marie and Joe stirred memories of the family's earlier tragedy when the world mourned the loss of their son, Cory. The actor, who portrayed Finn Hudson on the hit series "Glee," died nearly 12 years ago, on July 13, 2013.

Authorities found him in his room at Vancouver's Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel. He was 31. While Cory's death deeply affected his fans, it left an especially lasting impact on his parents.

Ann Marie raised her son in Victoria, British Columbia, and shared a close bond with him throughout his life. In a 2018 interview with People, she remembered how he never missed her birthday.

He often surprised her with visits or sent her plane tickets to Los Angeles. "We used to go everywhere together," she said, recalling their shared routines and favorite fish and chips spot.

She also reflected on his personal struggles and dreams for the future. Ann Marie spoke openly about Cory's early struggles with substance use and his efforts to build a stable future.

She described the moment she received a call from Lea Michele, followed by a knock on her door from the police. "I went into a state of numbness," Ann Marie said. "When you lose someone who is such a big part of you, you lose all purpose for living." She added, "Cory didn't want to die... But he's carried in people's hearts forever."

In the years after his passing, she turned her grief into action. Ann Marie later devoted herself to continuing her son's legacy. She supported organizations such as Project Limelight, St. James Music Academy, and Amber Academy, which help youth through the arts.

Joe, too, publicly reflected on the loss of his son. In a 2014 interview with ET Canada, Joe said, "I miss him very much and I still have the empty feeling inside."

Although he and Cory had reconnected after years of estrangement, Joe said he couldn't attend the funeral because no one informed him of the arrangements. "I didn't get to go to his viewing, which, it would have meant a lot," he shared. Later, Ann Marie reached out and offered to send him some of Cory's belongings.

Elsewhere, the family of a different television actor faced a separate and deeply troubling tragedy abroad.

Callum Kerr's parents, Andrew and Dawn Searle, were found dead on February 6 by a neighbor in the hamlet of Les Pesquiès, Villefranche-de-Rouergue, in South-West France. Police launched an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to their tragic deaths.

Some post-mortem examinations revealed that Andrew, 62, passed away from hanging, while Dawn, 56, died from head injuries caused by both blunt and sharp objects. The couple's bodies were discovered around 12:20 p.m. on February 6.

The mayor of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Jean-Sébastien Orcibal, told media houses that the cause of death remains unclear. However, he noted that the deaths were "clearly a homicide."

On the other hand, Nicolas Rigot-Muller, the region's public prosecutor, confirmed that both had died violent deaths, but it was too early to classify either as homicide. Nicolas emphasized that all possibilities remained under investigation.

Jean-Sébastien, who officiated the couple's wedding, recounted being notified about the discovery of Andrew and Dawn's bodies around midday. Authorities swiftly secured the property, ensuring no suspects remained inside.

The mayor divulged that the tragedy had left the quiet community in shock, as crime in the area was rare. He added that the couple had been well-known locally, having embraced life in France by running a gîte and frequently socializing with neighbors.

Andrew, who spoke fluent French, and Dawn were described as warm and sociable, often stopping for conversations during their daily walks with their pedigree dogs.

Prosecutors in Rodez also spoke out, issuing a statement that read, "The investigation is ongoing, particularly to determine whether the tragedy resulted from a domestic crime followed by suicide or involved a third party."

The police also shared more details, noting that Dawn, who was found outside the couple's home with a severe head injury, was partially undressed. Nearby, a box of jewelry was discovered, but no weapon linked to the wounds was found.

Firefighters who responded to the neighbor's distress call said they found Andrew at the back of the house with no visible defensive injuries. CCTV footage, shared on social media, had captured him purchasing lottery tickets just hours before his tragic and violent death.

At the time, Toulouse Police were conducting investigations, with further toxicology tests underway. Authorities noted that the couple's home appeared to have been superficially searched, with cash still present in the bedroom. They secured the area around the home as the inquiry continued.

Still, authorities had not yet opened a criminal case or established a leading theory on the pair's deaths. Dawn, originally from Eyemouth in the Scottish Borders, and Andrew, who was from England, had been living in Musselburgh near Edinburgh before marrying in France in 2023. Prosecutors stated that they had resided in the Aveyron region for five years.

According to Andrew's LinkedIn profile, he had a background in financial crime prevention and worked at companies such as Standard Life and Barclays Bank. Investigators explored the possibility that Andrew may have been targeted by someone with a criminal past, due to his previous work. This could be a potential individual he had a role in bringing to justice.

The couple's deaths shocked family members, including Callum. He is known for his roles in "Virgin River" and "Hollyoaks," and has also released a few country songs. The actor shared a close bond with his mother and, in 2023, walked Dawn down the aisle when she married Andrew in a ceremony in France.

He was proud of the special moment, writing, "Not many people can say they walked their own mother down the aisle. What a pleasure. I love you mum. Congrats to Dawn and Andy on their wonderful wedding day and here's to a tremendous life together for the happy couple 🥂."

In 2021, Dawn traveled to Austin, Texas, to visit her son. They were thrilled to spend time together, capturing moments as they explored the city. He shared a glimpse of their day on social media, posting two photos with the caption, "Showing this Scottish / French girlie around town #mum 💙."

Aside from their families, Andrew and Dawn's neighbors mourned their deaths, sharing their shock and sadness. Johan Herault, who runs a local tour company, remembered them as kind and welcoming, with a deep appreciation for nature. "I often spoke with Andrew about fishing in the local area and our dog," said John.

He added, "My wife was very good friends with Dawn. She is from New Zealand and liked speaking English with them. We often went to see them. They lived near the mayor."

John also remembered frequent conversations with Andrew about his work in the UK with the police. "He never mentioned that he was in any danger. This is an incredibly calm and peaceful area. It doesn't make any sense," he acknowledged.

Another villager described how the entire community was shaken, recalling how the couple had recently visited her farm to buy meat. She expressed her distress over the uncertainty surrounding their deaths, saying it had left her unable to sleep.