Brad Bufanda, who played Felix Toombs on the first 2 seasons ofVeronica Mars, committed suicide on Wednesday at the age of 34. TMZ reports that Bufanda leapt from a building in Los Angeles. A transient found the actor’s body around 1am on Wednesday morning and a note was found near his person. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Bufanda was pronounced dead at the scene on Friday, almost an hour after midnight.
“He had evidentially jumped from a building,” the spokesperson said, adding that the “autopsy is done and it has been ruled a suicide.” Brad Bufanda’s manager Kirsten Solem confirmed that he had taken his own life and released a statement. She had this to say.
“I can confirm Brad has passed away. We are completely devastated for he was an extremely talented young actor and wonderful, caring human being. He was reviving his career having just completed two movies and we are shocked and saddened by his passing. The family would appreciate privacy at this difficult time.”
Solem also said that Bufanda’s suicide comes as a complete shock. Solem added that the actor didn’t struggle withsubstance abuseand never showed any outward signs of an emotional struggle.
Brad Bufanda, born Fred Joseph Bufanda, legally changed his first name to Brad in 2001. He starred in a recurring role as Felix Toombs on the first and second seasons ofVeronica Mars. He also appeared on several other TV shows, includingCo-Ed Confidential,Malcolm in the Middle,Boston Public, andDays of Our Lives. In addition, Bufanda also starred in 2004’sA Cinderella Story. In 2007, Brad Bufanda left acting behind and trained as a professional basketball player, but was injured multiple times. He then began acting again, with his last role listed as next year’sStan the Man.
Brad Bufanda started his career in 1993 as a child actor inPocket Ninjasand later had small roles in Roseanne and other television shows. At the age of 12, he starred in the ABC Weekend Special entitledThe Secret Lizard Womanas well as commercials and more smaller roles in movies and television. The DVD commentary forA Cinderella Storymade claims that Bufanda was difficult to work with, but it isn’t clear if this was true for all of the projects that he was involved in.
Veronica Mars producer Rob Thomastweeted that he was “heartbroken” about the news of Brad Bufanda’s death. Thomas had this to say.
“I’m heartbroken to hear of Brad Bufanda’s passing. He did great work on Veronica Mars. My heart goes out to his family.”
Talinda Bennington, wife of Chester Bennington said, “RIP My heart is very sad. My deepest condolences to his family.” Brad Bufanda made his return to acting this year inGarlic and Gunpowderand had recently wrapped filming onStan the Man. you may read more about the life of Brad Bufanda courtesy ofTMZ.
