'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' actor Nicholas Brendon's cause of death confirmed

Indiana officials person disclosed the authoritative origin of decease for “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” prima Nicholas Brendon, who died successful March.

The Putnam County Coroner confirmed successful a study shared with The Times connected Tuesday that the actor, champion known for portraying the loyal and wisecracking Xander Harris, died of atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Acute pneumonia and a erstwhile myocardial infarction — a bosom onslaught — were listed arsenic contributing factors successful his death.

Brendon died March 20, his household announced successful a connection connected his societal media pages. The household said helium died of earthy causes, which was besides confirmed by the coroner’s report. The study besides noted that Brendon had “90% blockage” successful his close coronary artery. He was 54.

“He was passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create,” his household said connected Instagram successful March. “Those who genuinely knew him understood that his creation was 1 of the purest reflections of who helium was.”

Prior to his death, Brendon experienced aggregate wellness issues. He was hospitalized successful 2022 aft helium was diagnosed with a congenital bosom defect and aft suffering a cardiac incident. The “Criminal Minds” prima besides underwent aggregate spinal surgeries to negociate cauda equina syndrome, a uncommon information successful which nervus bundle successful the lumbar oregon sacral spine are compressed oregon not functioning properly. His superior spinal wounded was triggered by a autumn successful 2021 that required exigency country to forestall paralysis, his manager Theresa Fortier said successful a connection astatine the time.

The coroner’s study described the country of Brendon’s death, noting that due to the fact that of the actor’s “declining health” Fortier had spent much clip with him and notified authorities of his passing. The study confirmed determination were nary “obvious signs” of foul play and that “nothing seemed retired of spot oregon disturbed” successful Brendon’s home, which appeared to beryllium nether renovation. Fortier told officials that the histrion — a longtime smoker — was dealing with a “persistent” cough, complaining astir thorax symptom and “self-medicating” with over-the-counter drugs anterior to his death, according to the report. Brendon besides declined further aesculapian treatment.

According to the report, Brendon besides had a “markedly enlarged heart,” “moderate” blockage successful immoderate of his near arteries and tiny bowel inflammation.

In summation to “Buffy” and “Criminal Minds,” Brendon was known for roles successful the TV bid “Without a Trace,” “Private Practice” and “Kitchen Confidential.”

Times unit writer Clara Harter contributed to this report.