Richard Simmons’ Death: Accidental Fall and Heart Disease Contributed to Fitness Guru’s Passing
Fitness icon Richard Simmons’ death was reportedly caused by an accidental fall at his home, which was exacerbated by heart disease, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Simmons’ brother, Lenny Simmons, revealed that he received a call from the coroner’s office, which shared the findings with him. A family spokesperson, Tom Estey, confirmed the report, stating that Richard’s death was accidental due to complications from falls and heart disease.
As previously reported, Simmons fell in his bathroom on the evening of his 76th birthday, but refused medical attention when his housekeeper came to his aid.
The Medical Examiner’s Office had deferred an official finding on Richard’s death pending toxicology results, but has since shared the findings with his family.
Simmons was found dead in his Hollywood Hills home by his housekeeper on July 13, just a day after his birthday. First responders were called to the scene, where he was pronounced dead.
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Law enforcement sources had initially investigated the death as a natural one, with no suspicion of foul play.
Richard Simmons rose to fame with the launch of his fitness studio, The Anatomy Asylum, later renamed Slimmons, and a series of popular fitness videos and DVDs, including “Sweatin’ to the Oldies,” “Party off the Pounds,” and “Blast Off.”
He also made numerous TV appearances, including a 72-episode stint on “General Hospital.”
In the years leading up to his death, Richard had stepped back from the limelight, but continued to connect with hundreds of fans through email and phone messages.
Despite his passing, Richard Simmons’ legacy as a fitness icon and inspiring figure will continue to be remembered and celebrated by his fans around the world.