Nicholas Brendon, the actor known for playing Xander in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” dies at age 54 in March, and his cause of death is reported as cardiovascular-related. Multiple outlets cite a May 5 report from the Putnam County Coroner’s office in New York, which was obtained by People. The report lists Brendon’s death as due to atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Pneumonia is described as an acute contributing factor, and a previous myocardial infarction (heart attack) is also noted. Rolling Stone additionally reports that the findings include severe coronary artery blockage, described as affecting his right artery. While the outlets primarily focus on the medical cause described in the coroner’s documentation, they converge on the same central elements: cardiovascular disease—linked to atherosclerosis and high blood pressure—as the primary cause, with pneumonia and prior myocardial infarction contributing to his death.