Nicholas Brendon Dies at 54 from Natural Causes

Nicholas Brendon, best known for his role as Xander Harris on the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, was found dead at his home in Putnam County, Indiana, on March 20. He was 54 years old.

The actor, who lived alone, was discovered by a longtime friend who had been staying overnight at the residence to provide care, according to Putnam County Coroner Todd Zeiner. Brendon was positioned as if asleep when found, and medical personnel had already pronounced him dead by the time Zeiner arrived at the scene. Evidence at the home indicated the time of death occurred very recently, Zeiner said in a statement. There were no signs of foul play, and nothing suggested the death was anything other than natural.

Brendon's body was transported for autopsy, where family members visually identified him. Toxicology results and a final determination of the cause and manner of death remain pending. Investigators are reviewing videos Brendon posted online in the days before his death as potential evidence of any prior illness.

In a statement released the same day, Brendon's family confirmed he had passed in his sleep from natural causes. They noted his history of health challenges,...