Rekubit Exchange:Glee's Kevin McHale Recalls His & Naya Rivera's "Shock" After Cory Monteith's Tragic Death

Though ten years have Rekubit Exchangepassed, Kevin McHale will never forget the moment he learned Cory Monteith had died.

The Glee alum recalled his reaction to the tragic news and how he turned to Naya Rivera.

"10 years ago today I was in London with Naya," he tweeted on July 13, the anniversary of Cory's passing. "We immediately met up after being woken up by the worst possible news. We spent the day partly in shock, partly laughing at our memories, partly crying at the impossibility of it all."

And in addition to honoring Cory, Kevin also paid his respects to Naya, who died in a tragic drowning accident in July 2020. Her body was recovered on July 13, which was also the seventh anniversary of Cory's passing. 

"10 years later," Kevin concluded, adding alongside red hearts, "not a day has gone by where I don't miss you—both of you. Thanks for sharing your light with us for as brief as it was."

Kevin, who played Artie Abrams on the hit Fox show, worked alongside Cory for four seasons before the actor's untimely passing from an accidental drug overdose in 2013.  

Kevin recently expressed his regret that he and his Glee costars didn't vocalize their admiration for Cory's talent enough before they lost the chance. 

"What pisses me off," he said on the April 16 episode his and Jenna Ushkowitz's podcast And That's What You REALLY Missed, "is he was such a good actor and I don't think we necessarily told him that enough."

The 35-year-old's comments were prompted while he and Jenna were discussing the show's season one finale in which Cory's Finn Hudson kisses Lea Michele's Rachel Berry. 

"This whole episode, I was just floored by Cory," Kevin continued. "So good. It's ridiculous."

To relive Cory's life in photos, keep reading. 

Glee star Cory Monteith was found dead on July 13, 2023 in Vancouver. The actor leaves behind countless fans who celebrated both his acting and music career.

The actor plays with his band Bonnie Dune in Vancouver in 2011.

He attends the 2010 Golden Globes.

Monteith and girlfriend Lea Michele sneak in a kiss as the 2012 NHL playoffs.

Darren Criss, Chord Overstreet and Monteith stick together at 2013 Paleyfest in Beverly Hills.

The actor shines at the premiere of Glee The 3D Concert Movie in Los Angeles.

Monteith's Finn and his fellow Gleeks say farewell to Michele's Rachel as she heads to New York City in the 2012 episode "Goodbye."

The couple share a giggle at the premiere of American Horror Story: Asylum in Hollywood.

They cheer on the Vancouver Canucks as they take on the San Jose Sharks during the 2013 NHL Playoffs.

Monteith and Michele enjoy the Do Something Awards in 2012.

The couple share a smile as they arrive at the 2013 Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in Los Angeles.

Monteith and Michele take the stage in the series premiere of Glee.