Nicholas Brendon was found dead by a friend, but there were "no signs of foul play", according to Putnam County Coroner Todd Zeiner.

Zeiner has told how he arrived at the scene last week and found the Buffy the Vampire Slayer actor - who passed away aged 54 - "positioned as if asleep".

The coroner said in a statement obtained by Us Weekly: "On Monday, March 20, I was notified of a deceased individual at a residence in west-central Putnam County.

"Upon arrival, I observed an adult male positioned as if asleep, who had been pronounced deceased by medical personnel prior to my arrival.

"There were no signs of foul play, and nothing at the scene indicated the death was anything other than natural. [Brendon] resided alone and was discovered by a longtime friend who had been staying overnight to provide care."

According to TMZ, Brendon's family told how he had a history of heart issues, including suffering a heart attack in 2023.

Brendon - who played Xander Harris in the supernatural horror TV series - had also been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.

Autopsy and toxicology results are yet to be released.

The actor's family recently said he passed away "in his sleep of natural causes".

In a statement shared on Nicholas' Instagram page, his family wrote: "We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. 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.

"Those who truly knew him understood that his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was.

"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.

"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."

Brendon played Buffy's friend Xander Harris in all seven seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer - which aired from 1997 to 2003 - and featured alongside the likes of Sarah Michelle Gellar, Alyson Hannigan and Charisma Carpenter in all but one episode of the show.