“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star Nicholas Brendon has died. His death was announced on Friday, March 20, and tributes have been pouring in for the late star. Brendon was 54 at the time of his passing, and his death has been reported as “natural causes,” and he died in his sleep, E! News reports. However, prior to his death, Brendon was open about his health diagnoses, including cauda equina syndrome (CES) and the congenital heart defect, tachycardia.
Nicholas Brendon Reveals His Health Struggles
Brendon was honest with his fans about his poor health in recent years. In an Instagram post on April 13, 2023, he informed them he had had a heart attack and two spinal surgeries. “Sorry for the extra long disappearing act. After two spinal surgeries and a heart attack, I’ve had multiple doctor appointments to juggle and dealing with health insurance and pre-approvals feels nearly as emotionally exhausting and painful as dealing with my actual injuries,” he wrote.
He continued, “You’d think when the doctor says someone needs an urgent MRI and possibly an additional emergency surgery, that the insurance company would get back to the doctor with any kind of answer at all. Right??? I also needed time to rest…or at least as much as I’m capable of resting.”
Fans flooded the post with supportive messages, wishing the actor a speedy recovery. “I meant to comment on this when you posted. Just wanted to send you much love and support Nicky,” a fan wrote. “I think us Buffy fans rather fret about you and thank you for the update.”
“Take care. Seriously, you just have one life, so please try to stay around as long as possible,” a second fan shared.
The “Criminal Minds” actor’s tachycardia is reported to have begun after a 2021 spinal surgery. Brendon required the surgery after a bad fall to prevent paralysis. “His spinal cord was then punctured during a spinal surgery in October 2021 … which resulted in tachycardia,” E! News reports.
Brendon also had CES. “Cauda equina syndrome is a medical emergency that happens when an injury or herniated disk compresses nerve roots at the bottom of your spinal cord,” the Cleveland Clinic reports. The publication also lists the condition’s rarity, noting how it affects 1 in 30,000 to 100,000 people per year.
Nicholas Brendon’s Family Shares His Health Struggles & Passing
“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon,” the family shared in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “He passed in his sleep of natural causes. Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor and for the characters he brought to life over the years. In recent years Nicky has found his passion in painting and art. Nicky loved to share his enthusiastic talent with his family, friends and fans. He was passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create.”
The statement also reflected on Brendon’s health struggles. “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,” the family wrote. They also asked for privacy during this time, but thanked fans for their support.
Brendon’s passing was shared on Instagram late on March 20, including a statement from the family and a collection of pictures. Fans have flooded the post with loving tributes and their condolences to the family.
