Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Nicholas Brendon’s cause of death has been reported as arising from complications related to cardiovascular disease.
The actor’s family confirmed last month that he had died of ‘natural causes’ in his sleep, aged 54.
Brendon, who played Xander in the hit 1990s supernatural show, previously suffered a heart attack in 2023 and was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.
He also had cauda equina syndrome, which causes severe back pain, among other symptoms. He previously underwent surgery as a means of treating the syndrome.
It has now been reported that Brendon died of atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, according to a Putnam County Coroner report seen by TMZ.
The Buffy actor is said to have had a 90 per cent blockage on his right coronary artery.
The report also reportedly lists acute pneumonia and a previous heart attack as contributing factors in the actor’s death.
A friend of Brendon’s is said to have been staying with him at the time of his death, to help him manage his declining health.
She reportedly last saw him in the early hours of the morning he died, before finding him unresponsive three hours later.
Brendon’s friend is said to have reported to the coroner that he had complained of chest pain, but did not want to visit the hospital and was instead self-medicating.
He is said to have been ‘apprehensive’ about visiting the hospital, according to the report seen by the publication.
The coroner reportedly detailed how surveillance video from Brendon’s home showed he was ‘markedly coughing’ and had a ‘raspy’ voice before his death.
Brendon’s family paid tribute to him at the time of his death, in a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter.
It read: ‘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.’
The statement went on to acknowledge Brendon’s past struggles, including substance abuse issues that resulted in multiple rehab stints.
Brendon played Xander on Buffy the Vampire Slayer for seven years and was in all but one of the show’s 144 episodes.
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