The cause of death for Nicholas Brendon has been revealed.
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The beloved actor was best known for his role as Xander Harris on the cult drama Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He died on March 20 at the age of 54.
What Was the Cause of Death for Nicolas Brendon?
Page Six reports that Brendon's autopsy report revealed that the actor died of atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with acute pneumonia and previous myocardial infarction (heart attack) being contributing factors.
According to Mayo Clinic, this condition occurs when high blood pressure damages arterial walls. This can lead to rapid plaque buildup and restricted blood flow.
Brendon's death was caused by a 90% blockage of his right coronary artery. His death was determined to be natural.
"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," explained Putnam County Coroner Todd Zeiner. "The small bowel inflammation is most likely secondary to ischemic changes related to the cardiogenic shock."
The "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" Actor Was Also a Painter
In a statement back in March, his family shared that Brendon was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect in 2023 after he suffered a heart attack.
"While it's no secret that Nicholas had struggles in the past, he was on medications and treatment to manage his diagnosis," it read.
In addition to his roles on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Criminal Minds, and the hit indie comedy Psycho Beach Party, Brendan found a creative outlet as a painter.
In that same statement, Brendon's family said that art was "one of the purest reflections of who he was." His work was colorful and surreal.
But Brendon's legacy centers on his breakthrough role as Xander. The character, seen as a nerd, is credited with making the pop culture stereotype more relatable and positive.
"I actually don't have a lot of crazy fan interactions. It's just a bunch of dudes who say, 'Man, you got me laid a lot in high school. You made it cool to be a nerd and awkward and funny,'" he said. "I wonder how many babies are out there because Xander got people laid."
