Nicholas Brendon investigator shares new details on actor's death

Edward Segarra, USA TODAY Thu, March 26, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC

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More details are being shared following the death of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" star and actor Nicholas Brendon.

Brendon, best known for his role as Xander Harris on the supernatural drama, died on March 20 at age 54. In a statement previously posted on Brendon's official Facebook page, his family said the actor died in his sleep.

Brendon, who resided in Putnam County, Indiana, at the time of his death, was found "positioned as if asleep" after being discovered by authorities, Putnam County Coroner Todd Zeiner said in a statement to USA TODAY on Thursday, March 26.

Brendon "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."

1 / 0Nicholas Brendon, 'Buffy' actor who played Xander Harris, dies. See him in photos

Nicholas Brendon, best known for playing Xander Harris on all seven seasons of the WB TV series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," died Friday, March 20. He was 54. In a statement posted on Brendon's official Facebook page, his family said the actor died in his sleep. Scroll to see photos of him throughout his career.Nicholas Brendon as Xander Harris stars in 20th Century Fox's "Buffy The Vampire Slayer Year 5."

Nicholas Brendon dies: 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' star was 54

Zeiner added that Brendon's family reported the actor had a "history of cardiac issues." There are currently no signs of foul play in the death investigation, the coroner said.

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"Investigators are reviewing recently posted videos as potential evidence of prior illness," said Zeiner, noting that Brendon has been "transported for autopsy." "Toxicology and final results are pending. The final cause and manner of death will be released upon completion of all findings."

Nicholas Brendon attends the "Ms. In the Biz" book launch party in West Hollywood, California, on Feb. 9, 2015.

Much of Brendon's post-"Buffy" career was characterized by health difficulties, substance abuse, stints in rehab and high-profile arrests. In October 2014, Brendon was arrested in Boise, Idaho, after witnesses notified police of a disturbance involving hotel employees. Four months later, in February 2015, Brendon was arrested again in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after he caused extensive damage to a hotel room.

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"While it's no secret that Nicholas had struggles in the past, he was on medications and treatment to manage his diagnosis," Brendon's family said in a March 20 statement, although they did not specify his condition. "He was optimistic about the future at the time of his passing."

Contributing: Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nicholas Brendon death – Coroner shares new details

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