Buffy The Vampire Slayer Actor’s Cause of Death Confirmed After Autopsy Findings [WATCH]

Nicholas Brendon’s official cause of death has been confirmed following the release of his autopsy report.

As Page Six reported, the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” actor, who passed away on March 20 in Indiana, died from atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. The report also listed acute pneumonia and a previous myocardial infarction as contributing factors.

Hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease result when high blood pressure damages the walls of the arteries, which can accelerate plaque buildup and restrict the flow of blood.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer star’s cause of death aged 54 confirmedhttps://t.co/tvBJ6rMjcb pic.twitter.com/a4zteo4Fgd

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Acute pneumonia, which was also found in Brendon’s case, is a sudden infection that inflames the lungs while fluid or pus fills the air sacs.

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The mechanism of death was determined to be natural, caused by a 90 percent blockage of his right coronary artery.

Putnam County Coroner Todd Zeiner provided specific details in his findings, describing 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.”

Zeiner noted that the bowel inflammation likely stemmed from “ischemic changes related to the cardiogenic shock.”

Brendon’s longtime manager and friend, Theresa Fortier, discovered him “in a sleeping position on the couch” and called 911 shortly before 8:30 a.m. local time.

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According to the coroner’s report, “There was no resuscitation attempt made due to obvious signs of death.” Zeiner added that he estimated the time of death to be around 6 a.m. based on body temperature and physical signs.

Rigor mortis causes muscles to stiffen due to chemical changes after death, while livor mortis involves blood settling in the lower parts of the body and creating discoloration.

Zeiner added that Brendon had been coughing heavily and had a “raspy” voice shortly before his death. Fortier told investigators he had a persistent cough, was using over-the-counter medications, and had been complaining of chest pain.

Fortier said she encouraged him to go to the hospital, but he chose not to. Zeiner added that Brendon was a longtime smoker and was hesitant due to a recent back surgery.

The coroner found “no obvious signs of foul play” and determined that nothing in the home appeared out of place or disturbed. He noted that Brendon seemed to have been renovating his home, where he had filmed videos for fans that reflected his declining health.

Brendon’s family had previously shared that he “passed in his sleep of natural causes” at age 54. They remembered him as someone deeply creative, explaining that he had found “passion in painting and art” and enjoyed connecting with fans through his work.

His loved ones described him as “passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create.” They wrote that his art captured “the purest reflections of who he was.”

They also mentioned that he was managing his health conditions with treatment and medication and had remained hopeful about the future.

In their final statement, the family asked for privacy to grieve and “celebrate the life of a man who lived with intensity, imagination, and heart.” They thanked those who shared their love and support.

Zeiner told Page Six earlier that Brendon had been living alone and had been found by a friend who was staying overnight to care for him.

He confirmed there were no signs of foul play or any evidence suggesting his death was anything other than natural.

Brendon previously faced several serious health issues. He was diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome following a fall in 2021, which required multiple spinal surgeries and caused partial paralysis in his legs and genitals.

He also experienced two cardiac incidents, including a heart attack in 2022, which revealed a congenital heart defect.

In 2023, he wrote on Instagram about struggling with medical appointments and health insurance while recovering.

Brendon had also been open about his history of substance abuse and legal issues. He attended rehabilitation multiple times for alcoholism and drug addiction and had been arrested for prescription fraud in 2021.

After pleading guilty to a felony, his misdemeanor charge was dismissed, and he was placed on probation for a year.

He had also been accused of domestic violence and sexual misconduct and was dealing with additional legal matters before his death.

After his passing, many of his “Buffy” co-stars shared tributes. Sarah Michelle Gellar posted a vintage photo of them together and quoted his character Xander Harris.

She concluded her message with, “I saw you, Nicky. I know you are at peace, in that big rocking chair in the sky.”

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