Talented young actress Lea Michele is said to be devastated today, following the sad death of her partner of over a year, Cory Monteith. 

Michele, who starred alongside her beau in hit television series Glee, was not with Monteith at the time of his death.

In the past few minutes, a source close to Lea spoke to HollywoodLife, saying that she is ‘devastated beyond belief’.

Twenty-six-year-old Lea fell for Monteith, 31,  off-screen as the pair played couple Rachel Berry and Finn Hudson in the show.

“She is absolutely hysterical and completely inconsolable,” a source told the website. “She is devastated beyond belief.”

Just weeks ago the pair were pictured smiling at laughing at LAX as they happily reunited following Monteith’s stint in rehab.

In a recent interview with Marie Claire, the actress said: “I don’t even remember a time when he wasn’t my boyfriend. No one knows me better than Cory. No one knows what it’s been like to go through this more than he does. Feeling like you that net underneath you that allows you to jump higher and go farther. He makes me feel like I can do anything. For the first time in my life, I feel really, really settled and happy. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.”

UPDATE 18.00

A representative for the actress has released a brief statement, saying; 'We ask that everyone kindly respect Lea's privacy during this devastating time.' 

Related: 

Glee Star Cory Monteith Found Dead, Aged 31

Fox Broadcasting Company & Glee Executives Release Statement following Cory Monteith's Death

Stars React to Shock News of Cory Monteith's Death

Actress Lea Michele 'Devastated and Inconsolable' at Cory Monteith's Death