Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Nicholas Brendon's cause of death has been reported as complications related to cardiovascular disease. The actor's family had confirmed last month that he died of 'natural causes' in his sleep at age 54.
Medical History
Brendon previously suffered a heart attack in 2023 and had been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. He also had cauda equina syndrome, which causes severe back pain and other symptoms, and underwent surgery in 2021 to treat the condition.
Coroner's Report
According to a Putnam County Coroner report obtained by TMZ, Brendon died of atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. The report indicates he had a 90 percent blockage in his right coronary artery. Acute pneumonia and his previous heart attack are listed as contributing factors.
A friend who was staying with Brendon to help manage his declining health last saw him in the early hours of the morning before finding him unresponsive three hours later. The friend reported to the coroner that Brendon had complained of chest pain but did not want to go to the hospital, instead self-medicating to manage the pain.
Brendon was best known for his role as Xander Harris on the hit series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which aired from 1997 to 2003.
