Fitness guru, Richard Simmons passed away just one day before celebrating his 76th birthday on August 13 and was found by his longtime housekeeper. The cause of his death has now been revealed.
PEOPLE says that Richard Simmons' death was accidental, according to his brother, Lenny Simmons.
In a statement to PEOPLE on Wednesday, August 21, the spokesperson for the Simmons family, Tom Estey, said: “This morning, Richard Simmons' brother Lenny, received a call from the LA Coroner's office. 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 Family wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss.”
Although the Los Angeles Police Department said “there is no foul play,” the cause of his death was originally deferred as additional testing was needed.
Earlier reports indicated that Simmons fell in his home on August 12 after feeling dizzy. He told his housekeeper he would seek medical care the next day if he still felt ill.
"The world has truly lost an angel," Estey told PEOPLE.
Richard Simmons - Photo by Del Far
Simmons spoke exclusively to PEOPLE just two days before he died, sharing how he was planning to celebrate his 76th birthday. He joked that he’ll blow out a candle, but "the candle will probably be on a zucchini,” he quipped. “You know, I'm a vegetarian.”
During the interview with PEOPLE, Simmons expressed, "I feel great! I appreciate being alive and having another day ahead. On my birthday, I'll continue doing what I always do - helping people."
Richard Simmons - via Facebook - This was his last photo before his death
He was seen in a photo smiling in a bright orange Nasa space suit while standing in front of a colorful wall
This statement was made in his last interview with PEOPLE, in which he mentioned, "I never saw myself as a celebrity".
Simmons told PEOPLE, “People don't know this, I'm really a shy person and a little bit of an introvert" "But when that curtain goes up that's a different story. I'm there to make people happy.”
Lenny said, "I don’t want people to be sad about my brother." "I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people’s lives. He truly cared about people. He called, wrote and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help."
"So don’t be sad. Celebrate his life," he added."
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