Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Nicholas Brendon’s cause of death has been revealed, nearly two months after his passing at age 54.
The actor died on March 20 from atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with acute pneumonia and a previous heart attack found to have been contributing factors, according to his autopsy report obtained by Page Six.
Arteriosclerosis and hypertensive cardiovascular disease describe a condition caused by high blood pressure.
Atherosclerosis, also known as cardiovascular disease, is a condition that causes plaque to build on the arteries, narrowing the arteries, which then slows blood from flowing through the vessels, according to Hearts4Hearts Australia.
Acute pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation and fluid in the lungs. It comes on suddenly, rather than developing over time, according to Health Direct Australia.
Brendon’s autopsy determined his death to be of natural causes, with the Putnam County Coroner Todd Zeiner writing there was a 90 per cent blockage of his right coronary artery.
“Autopsy demonstrated an adult male with a markedly enlarged heart, severe stenosis of the right coronary artery, moderate stenosis of the left anterior descending and left circumflex arteries, acute pneumonia and inflammation of the small bowel,” the report reads.
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“The small bowel inflammation is most likely secondary to ischaemic changes related to the cardiogenic shock.”
The actor was known for his role as Xander on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
His death was announced in a statement shared to Instagram.
“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes,” the statement for his family 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,” the family added.
“Nicky loved to share his enthusiastic talent with his family, friends and fans. He was passionate, sensitive and endlessly driven to create.”
The statement continued, “Those who truly knew him understood that his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was.
“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 rose to fame in the late 1990s as Xander Harris on the hit series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, appearing in all but one of the show’s 144 episodes across its seven-season run.
After Buffy wrapped in 2003, Brendon continued working in television and film, including a recurring role as FBI technical analyst Kevin Lynch on Criminal Minds from 2007 to 2014.
He also appeared in series including Private Practice, Kitchen Confidential alongside Bradley Cooper and Faking It.
In recent years, Brendon had been candid about his health challenges.
He revealed in 2023 that he had suffered a heart attack and was living with a congenital heart defect, alongside ongoing complications from cauda equina syndrome that required multiple spinal surgeries.
He is survived by his identical twin brother, Kelly Donovan and his family.
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