'Buffy' star Nicholas Brendon's cause of death released

Brendan Morrow, USA TODAYTue, May 5, 2026 at 2:40 PM UTC

0

A cause of death has been released for Nicholas Brendon, the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" actor who died in March at age 54.

The Putnam County Coroner in Indiana has determined the star died from atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, according to a copy of the coroner's report viewed by USA TODAY. The report listed previous myocardial infarction (a heart attack) and acute pneumonia as contributing factors, and the manner of death was determined to be natural.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is caused by plaque buildup in the arterial walls, according to the American Heart Association, which notes ASCVD-related conditions are "the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally." Brendon had 90% blockage in his right coronary artery, the coroner said.

Putnam County Coroner Todd Zeiner wrote in the report that a longtime friend of Brendon's, who had been "spending more time with him due to his declining health," reported his death to 911. The friend said that the actor had "been having a persistent cough and had been self medicating with over the counter medications."

He had also been complaining of chest plain, but declined when his friend suggested he go to a hospital. The coroner's report notes he "was a long time smoker and was apprehensive about going due to his recent back surgery." Brendon's friend, who was sleeping in another room, found him around 8 a.m. after she last saw him around 5 a.m. and heard him coughing.

Nicholas Brendon, Xander Harris on 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' dies at 54

Brendon's death was announced in a statement on his official Facebook page on March 20, which said he died in his sleep.

Advertisement

"We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes," the statement said. "Our family asks for privacy during this time as we grieve his loss and celebrate the life of a man who lived with intensity, imagination, and heart."

Nicholas Brendon in a promotional image for "Buffy The Vampire Slayer."

Brendon was best known for his role of Xander Harris on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," starring opposite Sarah Michelle Gellar and Alyson Hannigan for seven seasons. He experienced numerous health and legal issues during his life. In 2023, Brendon told fans that he suffered a heart attack and was recovering from two spinal surgeries. The actor also had a congenital heart defect.

Nicholas Brendon investigator shares new details on actor's death

Initial details about Brendon's death were previously shared in March. In a statement provided to USA TODAY, the coroner said that he "observed an adult male positioned as if asleep" upon arriving at a residence on March 20.

"The decedent resided alone and was discovered by a longtime friend who had been staying overnight to provide care," the coroner said. "Evidence indicated the time of death was very recent, investigators are reviewing recently posted videos as potential evidence of prior illness. … Family members reported a history of cardiac issues. There were no signs of foul play, and nothing at the scene indicated the death was anything other than natural."

Contributing: Edward Segarra, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Buffy' star Nicholas Brendon cause of death released

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Breaking”