Richard Simmons' Cause of Death Revealed

After police confirmed Richard Simmons' cause of death was under investigation, the fitness icon's brother Lenny Simmons shared new information on his passing.

By Jess Cohen Aug 21, 2024 5:57 PM
| Updated Aug 21, 2024 8:54 PM
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Watch: Richard Simmons' Cause of Death Is Revealed

Richard Simmons' inner circle is sharing new information about his death.

Just over a month after the fitness guru's passing, his loved ones confirmed Richard's July 13 death was accidental.

"This morning, Richard Simmons' brother Lenny, received a call from the LA Coroner's office," Tom Estey, a rep for Richard's family, told E! News August 21. "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 other than medication Richard had been prescribed," the spokesperson continued. "The family wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss.”

Richard was pronounced dead on July 13, a day after his 76th birthday, when authorities responded to a call from his housekeeper and found him deceased at the scene. Two days later, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to People that Richard's cause of death was under investigation.

Meanwhile, according to records viewed by E! News, the Medical Examiner’s Office marked his cause of death as deferred pending an investigation.

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Richard Simmons' Staff Reveals His Final Message Before His Death

As details emerged about Richard's passing, many fans, friends and family members continued to pay tribute to the beloved star.

Photo by C Flanigan/FilmMagic

"I don’t want people to be sad about my brother," Lenny said in a July statement to E! News. "I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people’s lives."

"He truly cared about people," Lenny continued. "He called, wrote, and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help. So don’t be sad. Celebrate his life."

Hours before his passing, Richard—who remained mostly out of the public eye in the years leading up to his death—penned several messages to fans celebrating his birthday.

"Thank you," he wrote on X at the time. "I never got so many messages about my birthday in my life! I am sitting here writing emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday."

Keep reading to revisit Richard's life in photos.

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