Nicholas Brendon Died of Heart Disease, Coroner Rules

The Putnam County Coroner's Office in Indiana has determined that actor Nicholas Brendon, best known for his role as Xander Harris on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died of atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease on March 20 at his home in the county. He was 54.

Coroner Todd Zeiner announced the findings this week, stating that the primary mechanism of death was a 90 percent blockage in Brendon's right coronary artery. Contributing factors included acute pneumonia and a previous myocardial infarction. An autopsy revealed a markedly enlarged heart, severe stenosis in the right coronary artery, moderate narrowing in other major arteries, and inflammation in the small bowel likely related to cardiogenic shock. No signs of foul play were found at the scene.

Brendon was discovered unresponsive on his couch by his longtime friend and manager, Theresa Fortier, who had been staying overnight to assist with his care. She called 911 around 8:30 a.m., reporting that he had been coughing persistently, complaining of chest pain, and self-medicating with over-the-counter drugs. Fortier urged him to seek hospital treatment the previous day, but Brendon declined, citing apprehension...