Entertainment

‘Veronica Mars’ Actor Brad Bufanda Has Died By Suicide At Age 34

by Stephanie Downs
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

As his rep confirmed to TMZ, actor Brad Bufanda died by suicide on Wednesday, Nov. 1. He was 34 years old. The actor is best known for his role as Felix Toombs on Veronica Mars. Bufanda, who has been recently going by Bradley Joseph professionally, according to his IMDb page, also had multiple other roles on TV over the years. He appeared on Malcolm in the Middle, CSI: Miami, and Days of Our Lives. Bustle has reached out to the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office for comment, but did not receive an immediate response.

Bufanda's management released a statement about his death to Deadline. It reads:

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.

Police reports indicate Bufanda jumped off of a building, according to both Deadline and TMZ. Additionally, TMZ reports that Bufanda left a note thanking the people in his life.

While Bufanda hasn’t appeared in a project recently, he did appear in a slew of TV shows and movies after starting his career in 1995 by appearing in an episode of Roseanne. He went on to appear in the Hilary Duff film A Cinderella Story and in several episodes of Days of Our Lives. According to his IMDb page, he was set to appear in a couple of upcoming projects. He had a role in the upcoming film Garlic & Gunpowder, which stars Vivica A. Fox, and in Stan the Man, which is listed as a project currently in production.

However, as previously stated, Bufanda was more well-known for having appeared in 10 episodes of Veronica Mars as Felix Toombs, a character introduced in the very first episode.

Many were saddened by the news of Bufanda's passing and took to Twitter to share their thoughts. One user said, “And a little bit of my childhood died with him … #BradBufanda Love him in Veronica Mars #FelixToombs”.

Another user said, “I’m deeping sadden to hear the lost of your fellow costar Brad Bufanda. An amazing talent gone too soon.” They directed the tweet to actor Chad Michael Murray who starred in A Cinderella Story with Bufanda.

A Veronica Mars fan page also tweeted out condolences for the actor, and their tweet says a lot about how the fandom is feeling after hearing such news.

It’s a sentiment that was mirrored among some of those who worked with Bufanda personally. Following the news of his passing, some of his former collaborators on Veronica Mars also spoke out on the social media site. Rob Thomas, who created the show, tweeted:

Francis Capra, who appeared on Veronica Mars as Eli “Weevil” Navarro, tweeted:

It’s unclear who the Robin is that Capra is referring to, but the actor further tweeted:

In addition, Percy Daggs III, who played Wallace Fennel on Veronica Mars, responded to Capra’s tweet with, “His spirit and energy was endearing man. Saddened by this. Praying God’s comfort and love over his loved ones. #BradBufanda."

The sentiments that Bufanda’s former cast mates and boss are no doubt shared by many who were saddened to hear this tragic news.

If you or someone you know are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 911, or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.