The cause of death for “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” actor Nicholas Brendon has been revealed, nearly two months after he died at 54.
According to a report from the coroner’s office in Putnam County, N.Y., obtained by Page Six, Brendon died of atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Pneumonia and previous myocardial infarction were listed as contributing factors, and the “mechanism of death” was 90% blockage in the right coronary artery. Brendon’s family had said in a statement on March 20 that he had died in his sleep of natural causes.
“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon,” his family wrote at the time. “He passed in his sleep of natural causes. Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor and for the characters he brought to life over the years. In recent years Nicky has found his passion in painting and art. Nicky loved to share his enthusiastic talent with his family, friends and fans. He was passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create. Those who truly knew him understood that his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was. While it’s no secret that Nicholas had struggles in the past, he was on medications and treatment to manage his diagnosis and he was optimistic about the future at the time of his passing. 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. Thank you to everyone who has shown love and support.”
Brendon starred as Xander Harris, one of Buffy’s best friends and a comedic member of the Scooby Gang, in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” He also played hacker Kevin Lynch on “Criminal Minds” and appeared in others movies and shows like “Psycho Beach Party,” “Coherence,” “Kitchen Confidential” and more.
From Variety US