Hollywood is still saddened by the loss of a legend.
Richard Simmons, the veteran fitness guru known in the 1980s for his unmatched energy and flamboyant personality, was found dead at his home in the Hollywood Hills on Saturday morning, July 13.
He is 76 years old.
Richard Simmon’s Cause of Death Confirmed
A month after his death, the younger brother of the fitness teacher, Lenny Simmons, said that the star died of “complications from a fall and heart disease.”
“This morning, Richard Simmons’ brother, Lenny, received a call from the LA Coroner’s office,” Simmons family spokesman Tom Estey said in a statement to PEOPLE.
“The coroner informed Lenny that Richard’s death was accidental due to trauma from a recent fall and heart disease as a contributing factor,” Estey continued.
His brother also insisted that the coroner conduct tests to see if Richard abused any substance at the time of his death.
The results were reassuring.
“Toxicology reports were negative in addition to the medication Richard was prescribed.”
According to a law enforcement official who spoke on the record to TMZ, authorities responded to a call from Simmons’ housekeeper just before 10 a.m. on July 13.
The iconic television personality was later pronounced dead at the scene.
However, a few days later, People Magazine confirmed that the cause of Richard’s death is currently under investigation.
Investigations, Explained
The Medical Examiner’s Office said Simmons’ cause of death is pending, meaning additional investigation and tests are needed. It can take up to three months before determining the cause of death.
Furthermore, TMZ it is also reported that no foul play is suspected and Richard Simmons fell in the bathroom of the place at some point during the weekend; It is possible, although it is not clear at this time, whether this accident contributed to his passing.
Richard Simmon’s Legacy & Health
Simmons led a very reclusive lifestyle over the past decade or so.
Back in 2017, he released a statement dispelling rumors that he had disappeared, telling his Facebook fans that he had recently been hospitalized for indigestion – but nothing else.
A year earlier, Simmons also had to respond to unusual speculation about his status, assuring people around the world that he was NOT being held hostage.
In March 2024, Simmons confirmed that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer.
Just a day before the body was found, Simmons seemed fine, posting a thank you on social media (above) for all the birthday wishes he had sent.
“I’m sitting here writing an email. Have the best rest on Friday,” wrote Simmons on Friday in one of his last posts.
Simmons became a household name many last year because Sweatin’ for the Oldies row of aerobics videos.
His success in the fitness industry has also turned him into a TV star, making frequent appearances on talk shows such as The Tonight Show, The Howard Stern Show and Late Night with David Letterman.
He disappeared from the limelight in the early 2010s.
How He Will Be Remembered
Simmons also has an impressive acting resume, appearing as himself in 72 episodes of General Hospital.
Other notable credits include the films and programs What Women Want, Hercules: Zero to Hero, All My Children, Evening Shade and The Larry Sanders Show, among others.
The late athlete is also a prolific writer, publishing a series of healthy food cookbooks.
Back in 2016, Simmons discussed the kidnapping allegations and his overall lifestyle during an appearance on The Today Show.
“I just want to be a quiet person for a while,” he said on air.
“You know, I’ve had a bad knee, and I’ve had some problems, and then the other knee started giving me problems … and you know, now I just want to take care of myself.”
Earlier this year, as mentioned earlier in this article, Simmons opened up about his health and the “bump under his right eye” that turned out to be cancer.
“I’m not going to die,” Simmons Tweeted in response to all the concerns about this update, adding:
“This is a message about how we should embrace each day. We apologize for the confusion.”
We send our condolences to the friends, family members and loved ones of Richard Simmons.
“The world has truly lost an angel,” publicist Tom Estey told People Magazine of Simmons on Saturday.
May he rest in peace.
