The cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is paying tribute to Nicholas Brendon after news of his death was revealed Friday. Brendon’s family shared the news of his death in a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter, which reads, “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes.” “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,” the statement continued. “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.…