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New information about Nicholas Brendon's death has come to light.
Over a month after the Buffy the Vampire Slayer star died aged 54, the Putnam County Coroner in New York ruled his death was caused by natural causes, notably his atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, according to an E! News report.
According to the coroner's report, Brendon died as a result of acute pneumonia and a myocardial infarction, or heart attack, in 2023. At the time of his death, his right coronary artery was 90 percent blocked.
Brendon was discovered dead on March 20 in his New York home by a friend who was caring for him, according to a March statement from the Putnam County Coroner.
Following his death, Brendon's family stated that he died of natural causes, citing the actor's health issues that he was dealing with prior to his death.
However, his family stated that Brendon, who had been honest about his battles with addiction and diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome (CES), was "optimistic about the future" when he died.
"In recent years, Nicky has found his passion in painting and art," the family said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter on March 20. "Nicky enjoys sharing his enthusiastic talent with his family, friends, and fans. " He was passionate, compassionate, and constantly inspired to create. Those who actually know him recognized that his art was one of the most authentic reflections of who he was.
Those who knew Brendon during his career rushed to mourn him.
On March 21, Buffy actor Sarah Michelle Gellar sent an Instagram tribute to her late costar, saying, "I know you are at peace in that big rocking chair in the sky."
Meanwhile, Alyson Hannigan said in an Instagram Story at the time of her former co-star's passing, "My sweet Nicky, thank you for years of laughter, love, and Dodgers.”
And Emma Caulfield expressed, "My heart is heavy." I can’t put into words just how this has hit me.”
