New details have emerged regarding the death of celebrity health and fitness guru Richard Simmons at the age of 76.
In a statement, a family spokesperson said the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirmed Simmons’ cause of death at his Los Angeles home in July.
“This morning, Richard Simmons’ brother Lenny received a call from the Los Angeles Coroner’s Office,” spokesman Tom Estey said in a statement released Wednesday. “The coroner informed Lenny that Richard’s death was accidental due to complications from recent falls and heart disease as a contributing factor. The toxicology report was negative, except for the medications prescribed to Richard. The family would like to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss.”
The medical report released for Simmons did not indicate a cause of death as of early Wednesday afternoon.
The cause of death had previously been reported by the coroner’s office, pending an investigation.
Simmons died July 13 at his Hollywood Hills home. Authorities responded to a call that Simmons had been found unconscious. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
With his bubbly personality, unwavering positive attitude and seemingly boundless energy, Simmons was a mainstay of 1980s health and fitness television, but he hadn’t been seen in public in about a decade. In 2016, he called TODAY in response to a rumor that his housekeeper was holding him hostage.
Two days before his death, Simmons gave a final interview to People magazine. He was asked to explain how he had kept a low profile in recent years.
“When I decided to retire, it was because my body told me to,” Simmons said. “I spent time reflecting on my life. All the books I’ve written, the videos. I never thought, ‘Oh, look what I’ve done.’ My thing was, ‘Oh, look how many people I’ve helped.’”
He also posted a message on social media to his fans on his birthday, a day before his death.
“Thank you… I’ve never gotten so many birthday messages in my entire life!” he wrote on X on July 12. “I’m sitting here writing emails. Have a great rest of your Friday!”
Simmons also shared a message on Facebook, telling his fans: “So many of you have sent me birthday wishes on my Facebook and other platforms. I really appreciate it. I don’t know when your birthday is, but I wish you a happy birthday and good health!”
