Nicholas Brendon’s Cause of Death Revealed After Buffy Star’s Sudden Passing
Key Points
- Autopsy listed atherosclerotic, hypertensive cardiovascular disease; 90% right coronary blockage and pneumonia contributed.
- Found unresponsive at home by his longtime manager; responders observed obvious signs of death.
- Long battled depression and alcoholism; was in treatment and remembered for Buffy and Criminal Minds.
NICHOLAS Brendon, best known as Xander Harris in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died from heart disease, an autopsy has confirmed two months after his body was found.
The 54-year-old actor passed away on March 20 at his Indiana home, with the cause of death listed as atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease.
The report revealed he had severe artery blockages, including 90 percent blockage of his right coronary artery, alongside pneumonia which contributed to his death.
Putnam County Coroner Todd Zeiner detailed that Nicholas had an enlarged heart and inflammation of the small bowel, likely linked to cardiogenic shock.
His longtime manager, Theresa Fortier, discovered him unresponsive on the couch and called 911 shortly before 8:30am, with no resuscitation attempted due to obvious signs of death.
Nicholas had battled depression and alcoholism for years, entering rehab in 2004 after Buffy ended, and was reportedly self-medicating for chest pain and a persistent cough before his death.
His family paid tribute, acknowledging his struggles but highlighting that he was on treatment and optimistic about the future at the time.
Aside from Buffy, Nicholas was known for his role as Kevin Lynch in Criminal Minds from 2007 to 2014.
His sudden passing has left fans and colleagues reflecting on his impactful career and personal battles.
