Coroner Reveals Natural Death from Heart Disease for Buffy Actor Nicholas Brendon

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

A coroner's report obtained by Fox News Digital listed the manner of death as natural. Autopsy results identified atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease as the cause, with acute pneumonia and a previous myocardial infarction as contributing factors.

Putnam County Coroner Todd Zeiner said he was dispatched to Brendon's residence around 9:20 a.m. on March 20. Law enforcement at the scene found no obvious signs of foul play.

First responders reached the home after a 911 call at around 8:21 a.m. from Brendon's longtime friend Theresa Fortier. She had been staying with the actor because of his declining health. Fortier, who slept in a separate bedroom, said she last saw Brendon around 5 a.m., when she heard him coughing. She woke around 8 a.m. and found him dead.

Medics pronounced Brendon dead on arrival due to obvious signs of death, the report stated. Zeiner set the time of death at around 6 a.m.

"Law enforcement present found no obvious signs of foul play and assisted me with cataloging the scene," Zeiner wrote. "Nothing seemed out of place or disturbed. The home appeared as though he had been renovating."

Fortier told investigators Brendon had a persistent cough and had been using over-the-counter medications. He complained of chest pain but refused to go to the hospital.

His family confirmed the death in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "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. "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."

The family asked for privacy as they grieved his loss and celebrated the life of a man who lived with intensity, imagination and heart. They thanked everyone who showed love and support.

In 2023, Brendon said he suffered a heart attack in 2022 and underwent multiple spinal surgeries afterward. He had been diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome, a compression of nerve roots at the bottom of the spinal cord that affects leg movement, sensation and bladder control.

After his death, friends and former costars posted tributes online. Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played Buffy Summers, wrote on Instagram: "'They'll never know how tough it is to be the one who isn't chosen. To live so near to the spotlight, and never step in it. But I know. I see more than anybody realizes, because nobody's watching me.' I saw you Nicky. I know you are at peace, in that big rocking chair in the sky."

Alyson Hannigan, who played Willow Rosenberg, posted: "My Sweet Nicky, thank you for years of laughter, love and Dodgers. I will think of you every time I see a rocking chair. I love you. RIP."