Brendon died of atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, leading to a 90-percent blockage of his right artery, coroners report states

The cause of death for Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s Nicholas Brendon has been revealed following the actor’s March 20 death at the age of 54.

The Putnam County Coroner’s office announced Wednesday that Brendon died of atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with acute pneumonia and previous myocardial infarction as contributing factors, People reports. Brendon’s death was natural.

According to coroner Todd Zeiner, the main cause of death was a 90 percent blockage in Brendon’s right coronary artery. Zeiner’s report states that, on the day of Brendon’s death, his friend Theresa called 911 to the actor’s home and “stated the decedent had been having a persistent cough and had been self-medicating with over-the-counter medications. He had been complaining about chest pain. She recommended a hospital, but he declined. He was a longtime smoker and was apprehensive about going due to his recent back surgery. She advised he had a recent heart attack several years ago, but he declined any further treatment at that time.”

The subsequent autopsy found 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 also cited recent videos where Brendon was “markedly coughing” and spoke with a “raspy voice” as “a basis for his declining health.”

Brendon was previously hospitalized after a “cardiac incident” caused by a congenital heart defect in August 2022. The actor also dealt with other physical and mental health issues, as well as drug and alcohol issues, which led to legal problems over the past 15 years since Buffy’s conclusion.

“Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor and for the characters he brought to life over the years,” Brendon’s family said in a statement following his death. “In recent years Nicky has found his passion in painting and art. Nicky loved to share 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.”