‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’ Star Nicholas Brendon’s Cause Of Death Confirmed

The Putnam County Coroner’s Office has officially disclosed the cause of death of actor Nicholas Brendon.

According to a report released on May 5 by coroner Todd Zeiner and obtained by PEOPLE, the actor died from natural causes linked to atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Acute pneumonia and a previous myocardial infarction were listed as contributing factors.

The report further revealed that the “mechanism of death” involved a 90 percent blockage in the right coronary artery.

Zeiner noted that law enforcement officers who attended the scene found no signs of foul play. “Nothing seemed out of place or disturbed,” he stated, adding that authorities assisted in documenting the scene.

A longtime friend of the actor, Theresa Fortier, was present at his residence and placed the emergency call. According to her account, Brendon had been suffering from a persistent cough and had been self-medicating with over-the-counter drugs. He had also complained of chest pain but declined medical attention despite her urging.

Fortier disclosed that the actor, a longtime smoker, was hesitant to seek treatment due to a recent back surgery. She also noted he had suffered a heart attack several years earlier but chose not to pursue further medical care at the time.

Following an autopsy, officials found that Brendon had a markedly enlarged heart and severe narrowing of the right coronary artery, along with moderate narrowing of other major arteries. Additional findings included acute pneumonia and inflammation of the small bowel, which was likely linked to ischemic changes caused by cardiogenic shock.