Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Nicholas Brendon’s cause of death revealed

Nicholas Brendon’s cause of death has been revealed.

Nicholas Brendon died of atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

The actor – who was best known for playing Xander Harris in the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer – passed away in March, aged 54, and coroner Todd Zeiner has now revealed the reasons behind his passing.

Zeiner said in a report obtained by People that Brendon’s death was natural, with acute pneumonia and a previous myocardial infarction listed as contributing factors.

The coroner said law enforcement present at the scene “found no obvious signs of foul play and assisted me with cataloguing the scene. Nothing seemed out of place or disturbed.”

The coroner also revealed that a long-time friend of Brendon’s, Theresa Fortier, had been at his residence and called 911.

Zeiner said: “Theresa 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 long-time 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 actor’s family previously said he passed away “in his sleep of natural causes”.

In a statement shared on Nicholas’ Instagram page, his family wrote: “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed 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 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.

“While it’s no secret that Nicholas had struggles in the past, he was on medications and treatment to manage his diagnosis and he was optimistic about the future at the time of his passing.

“Our family asks for privacy during this time as we grieve his loss and celebrate the life of a man who lived with intensity, imagination and heart. Thank you to everyone who has shown love and support.”