Former ‘Glee’ Star Mark Salling Dead at 35

Mark Salling, best known for playing Noah “Puck” Puckerman, was once one of Glee’s favorite stars.

This quickly changed after the Los Angeles police department received a tip, served a search warrant and discovered Salling was in possession of child pornography. Police found more than 50,000 images on his computer and thumb drive. He was arrested in his home in December of 2015 and was later indicted by a federal grand jury for receiving and possessing child porn images.

According to the Washington Post, a month before his sentencing, Salling signed a plea deal agreeing to plead guilty, pay restitution and register as a sex offender. Prosecutors agreed to ask the judge if Salling could serve four to seven years. Each one of his charges carries up to 20 years in prison.

On Tuesday morning, Salling’s attorney, Michael J. Proctor, confirmed the actor’s death. The cause of death is unknown at this time, though speculation is running high that he committed suicide.

His situation has made another Glee death surface. In July of 2013, the TV show lost their popular jock Corey Monteith, known as Finn Hudson. Monteith died from a heroin and alcohol overdose at age 31 after battling substance abuse off camera for many years. But unlike Monteith, Salling’s death sparked mixed reactions from Glee’s cast, crew and fans on social media:

Most mourned and asked to avoid adding further heart break to Salling’s family.

 

Others weren’t sure how to feel.

And some called for action.

 

Author:
Dani Matias is a student at the University of Texas. She is working toward a Bachelor's degree in Journalism with a minor in Spanish. She is an active member of Kappa Phi Gamma Sorority, Inc., NABJ and NAHJ.