“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” alum Nicholas Brendon was found dead in his Indiana home by a friend who was caring for him.
Putnam County Coroner Todd Zeiner shared on Thursday more insight on Brendon’s tragic passing at the age of 54 on March 20.
Zeiner said Brendon “Resided alone and was discovered by a longtime friend who had been staying overnight to provide care.”
The friend’s identity was not disclosed.
Zeiner arrived after Brendon was already pronounced dead by medical personnel.
The coroner said he found the actor “Positioned as if asleep," adding the evidence at the scene “Indicated the time of death was very recent.”
Zeiner also confirmed that “There were no signs of foul play” in his death, nor anything at the scene indicated the death was anything other than natural.
Brendon’s body was transported for autopsy, where his family “Visually identified him.”
Toxicology and final results are pending. The final cause and manner of death will be released upon completion of all findings.
Brendon’s family shared the news of his death on March 20.
“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon,” the statement read. “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,” it continued.
“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.”
The message concluded by asking the public for privacy, as the actor’s surviving family members “grieve his loss and celebrate the life of a man who lived with intensity, imagination, and heart.”
Born in Los Angeles as an identical twin with his brother Kelly Donovan, he started acting to help overcome his stutter. He was married and divorced twice.
As Xander, one of Buffy’s (Sarah Michelle Gellar) best friends, and a stalwart member of her Scooby Gang, Brendon won the heart of the show’s fans, with his loyalty and sarcasm, all as they fought the forces of darkness through their young adulthood.
Along with “Buffy,” Brendon appeared on “Criminal Minds,” “Private Practice,” “Married…With Children,” and “Kitchen Confidential.”
His movies included “Psycho Beach Party,” “Coherence” and “The Nanny.” His most recent role was in 2021’s “Wanton Want.”
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