Nicholas Brendon’s cause of death for Buffy the Vampire Slayer Star

The cause of death of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ actor Nicholas Brendon has been revealed, almost two months after he died at the age of 54.

According to a report from the Putnam County, NY, coroner’s office obtained by Page sixBrendon died of atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Pneumonia and a previous myocardial infarction were cited as contributing factors, and the “mechanism of death” was a 90% blockage in the right coronary artery. Brendon’s family had said in a statement on March 20 that he had died in his sleep of natural causes.

“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon,” his family wrote at the time. “He passed away in his sleep of natural causes. 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 found his passion in painting and art. Nicky loved sharing 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 is no secret that Nicholas had problems in the past, he used medications and treatment to manage his diagnosis and he was optimistic about the future at the time of his death. Our family requests privacy during this time as we mourn his loss and celebrate the life of a man who lived with intensity, imagination and heart.

Brendon played the role of Xander Harris, one of Buffy’s best friends and a comedic member of the Scooby Gang, in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. He also played hacker Kevin Lynch in ‘Criminal Minds’ and appeared in other films and shows such as ‘Psycho Beach Party’, ‘Coherence’, ‘Kitchen Confidential’ and more.