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After Buffy star Nicholas Brendon was found dead in his New York home March 20, a Putnam County coroner shared an initial report of the actor's death investigation, including who found his body.
By Olivia Evans Mar 26, 2026 1:41 PM | Updated 1 hour ago
Sarah Michelle Gellar Breaks Silence on Nicholas Brendon's Death in Touching Tribute
Nicholas Brendon had a close friend nearby in his final moments.
After the Buffy the Vampire Slayer star was found dead in his New York home March 20 Putnam County coroner Todd Zeiner detailed the initial findings of the actor's death investigation.
“The decedent resided alone and was discovered by a longtime friend who had been staying overnight to provide care,” Zeiner told People in a March 25 statement. “Evidence indicated the time of death was very recent. Investigators are reviewing recently posted videos as potential evidence of prior illness.”
According to the coroner, Nicholas, who was 54 at the time of his death, was “positioned as if asleep” when found.
The identity of Nicholas’ friend was not shared. Final autopsy results are still pending, but Nicholas’ family shared in a statement they believe he died “of natural causes,” amid his cauda equina syndrome—a rare spinal ailment—and congenital heart defects.
“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,” his family added in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter March 20. “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. Thank you to everyone who has shown love and support.”
Following his death, Nicholas—who portrayed Xander Harris in the Sarah Michelle Gellar-starring Buffy series—received a number of tributes from his former costars.
Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images
“My Sweet Nicky, thank you for years of laughter, love and Dodgers,” Alyson Hannigan, who played Willow Rosenberg, wrote in a statement. “I will think of you every time I see a rocking chair. I love you. RIP.”
Emma Caufield, who played Anya Jenkins, added in her own since-expired post, “Rest Nicky. Rest. I love you.”
For a look at Nicholas’ life in photos, keep reading…
Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images
1998
Bei/Shutterstock
1998
With Buffy the Vampire Slayer costar Sarah Michelle Gellar.
Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images
1998
With Buffy the Vampire Slayer costar David Boreanaz.
Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage for InStyle Magazine
2002
With Buffy the Vampire Slayer costar Alyson Hannigan.
Norm Betts/Shutterstock
2002
With Buffy the Vampire Slayer costar Amber Benson.
20th Century Fox Television/Kobal/Shutterstock
2003
MediaPunch/Shutterstock
2005
SBM/Plux/Shutterstock
2005
Sipa/Shutterstock
2008
With Buffy the Vampire Slayer costar Michelle Trachtenberg.
Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock
2008
MediaPunch/Shutterstock
2010
Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images
2012
Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images
2017
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