L.A. Coroner Reveals Richard Simmons’ Cause of Death Over a Month Later

More than a month after the death of fitness superstar Richard Simmons, new details have emerged about his unexpected passing.

On Wednesday, August 21, Tom Estey—the Simmons family spokesperson and Richard’s longtime publicist—confirmed to PEOPLE that the Los Angeles Coroner’s Office contacted Richard’s brother, Lenny Simmons, to inform him about the cause of death. According to the Coroner’s Office, “Richard’s death was accidental due to complications from recent falls, with heart disease being a contributing factor. The toxicology report was negative except for prescribed medications. The family wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss.”

Richard passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2024, at age 76. Two days later, the Los Angeles Police Department launched an investigation into his cause of death, which Estey later stated involved “no foul play.”

Richard, best known for his workout classes, DVDs, and weight loss cruises, had been out of the public eye for more than a decade before his death. He was last seen in 2014. Initially, the fitness guru took a break from public life to recover from a knee injury. Eventually, he decided to step away from the spotlight completely.

In 2016, Richard explained, “I’ve taught thousands and thousands of classes, and right now, I just want to take care of myself. I just really don’t want to do anything. I just don’t want to be traveling anymore. It certainly has taken its toll on me.”

Even when not in the public eye, Richard actively posted on his Facebook account. On the morning of his death, he wrote, “Hello, gorgeous! Please don’t rain on my parade.” The fitness star frequently used Facebook to communicate with his fans, though he refrained from posting photos of himself.

In addition to life updates, Richard also shared personal struggles, including a battle with skin cancer. He once detailed on Facebook, “There was this strange-looking bump under my right eye. I had a tube of Neosporin, which I used morning and evening, but it was still there. It was time to call my dermatologist. As he examined it, he said he would have to scrape it and analyze it under a microscope. Now I am getting a little bit nervous. He returned about 20 minutes later and said the C word. You have cancer.” However, the L.A. Coroner’s Office confirmed that his cancer did not play a role in his death.

Just one day before his death, the fitness star celebrated his 76th birthday. He told PEOPLE, “[I’m] grateful that I’m here, that I am alive for another day. I’ll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people.”

He humorously added that instead of having a cake for his birthday, he was planning to have a zucchini or, “Maybe one Pepperidge Farm Milano cookie. But just one.”

Richard’s passing was confirmed the following day, with Estey stating, “The world has truly lost an angel.”

May Richard Simmons continue to rest in peace.

Source: PEOPLE