Nicholas Brendon, Star of "Buffy," Died Due to Cardiovascular Disease

Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Nicholas Brendon’s cause of death has been ruled natural due to complications related to cardiovascular disease, according to a report released by the Putnam County Coroner’s office.

According to multiple outlets, coroner Todd Zeiner found that Brendon died in March of natural causes from atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with acute pneumonia and previous myocardial infarction as contributing factors. Specifically, Brendon had a 90% blockage of the right coronary artery.

“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,” Zeiner wrote. “The small bowel inflammation is most likely secondary to ischemic changes related to the cardiogenic shock.”

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Elsewhere in the report, Zeiner said law enforcement “found no obvious signs of foul play and assisted me with cataloging the scene. Nothing seemed out of place or disturbed.”

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

Fortier said Brendon had “a persistent cough” and was self-medicating with over-the-counter medications while “complaining about chest pain,” Zeiner wrote.

While Fortier suggested a hospital, Brendon was “apprehensive about going due to his recent back surgery” and “declined any further treatment at that time,” according to the report.

Brendon’s family announced his death at age 54 on March 20th. He had a history of heart issues and had also been diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome.

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_Originally reported by [Consequence](https://consequence.net/2026/05/nicholas-brendon-cause-of-death/)._