New details emerge surrounding “Buffy ”star Nicholas Brendon's death
New details emerge surrounding “Buffy ”star Nicholas Brendon's death
Marina WattsThu, March 26, 2026 at 2:26 PM UTC
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Nicholas Brendon in 2017Credit: Gilbert Carrasquillo/GettyKey Points -
Nicholas Brendon was found by a longtime friend who was helping take care of him at the time of his death.
His family announced on March 20 that the actor, known for his role as Xander in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died at 54.
Buffy costars Alyson Hannigan and Sarah Michelle Gellar paid tribute to Brendon.
New details have emerged surrounding the death of Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Nicholas Brendon.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Putnam County Coroner Todd Zeiner said Brendon was found dead on March 20 by a friend who was helping care for him. The friend, whose identity was not disclosed, found Brendon “positioned as if asleep.”
“The decedent resided alone and was discovered by a longtime friend who had been staying overnight to provide care,” Zeiner said. “Evidence indicated the time of death was very recent. Investigators are reviewing recently posted videos as potential evidence of prior illness.”
The coroner also confirmed that no foul play is suspected and that the scene where Brendon was found had no evidence to show that his death was anything but natural. Toxicology and final autopsy results are pending.
Nicholas Brendon on 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'Credit: 20th Century Fox Film Corp./Courtesy Everett Collection
Brendon's family announced his death on March 20. "We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon," the statement began on Instagram.
"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."
They said that the late actor 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."
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The family also mentioned Brendon's health issues in the past but was "optimistic about the future at the time of his passing." The actor said in 2023 that he'd suffered a heart attack and was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. Additionally, Brendon underwent spinal procedures for a separate condition, and struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues .
"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," the statement concluded. "Thank you to everyone who has shown love and support."
Brendon's Buffy costars paid tribute on social media. "My Sweet Nicky, thank you for years of laughter, love and Dodgers," Alyson Hannigan wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of them together. "I will think of you every time I see a rocking chair. I love you. RIP."
Sarah Michelle Gellar remembered her costar by sharing a quote from the final season of Buffy alongside an old picture of her and Brendon. "'They’ll never know how tough it is to be the one who isn't chosen. To live so near to the spotlight, and never step in it. But I know. I see more than anybody realizes, because nobody's watching me,' " she wrote.
Nicholas Brendon in 2012Credit: Barry Brecheisen/WireImage
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"I saw you, Nicky. I know you are at peace, in that big rocking chair in the sky,"
on Entertainment Weekly
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
