Nicholas Brendon, a prominent actor known for his roles on the TV series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," has died at 54 years old. The Putnam County Coroner's office has revealed that the probable cause of death is atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, which is one of the leading causes of death globally. The coroner stated that there were no signs of foul play and that family members reported a history of cardiac issues. Brendon's longtime friend, Theresa Fortier, told the coroner that Brendon had been self-medicating with over-the-counter medications and had complained about chest pain. In the months leading up to his death, Brendon was involved in ongoing legal disputes, including a December 2025 lawsuit alleging unfinished work on renovations on his home.