Richard Simmons, the beloved fitness guru who inspired millions, passed away on July 13, 2024, at the age of 76. His cause of death has now been revealed, shedding light on the final chapter of his remarkable life.
Cause of Death
According to a statement from Simmons’ family spokesperson, Tom Estey, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office informed Richard’s brother Lenny that his death was accidental. The primary causes were:
- Complications from recent falls
- Heart disease as a contributing factor
The coroner’s report noted that Simmons had experienced a fall on July 11, just two days before his death. He spent the following day in bed, reportedly telling his housekeeper that his legs “hurt a lot.”
Medical Examiner’s Findings
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that Simmons’ death was accidental and provided additional details:
Finding | Details |
---|---|
Official Cause | “Sequelae of blunt traumatic injuries” (complications stemming from injuries) |
Contributing Condition | Arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease |
Toxicology Report | Negative; only the presence of prescribed medications found |
Final Days
Simmons celebrated his 76th birthday on July 12, just one day before his passing. He made his last public communication on social media that day, thanking fans for their birthday wishes.
On the morning of July 13, Simmons was found unresponsive on his bedroom floor. Emergency services were called at 9:45 am, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Legacy and Impact
Richard Simmons rose to prominence in the 1980s with his popular fitness videos, including the famous “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” series. He inspired a nationwide fitness trend and became a beloved television personality, winning four Daytime Emmy Awards for “The Richard Simmons Show.”
Despite retreating from public life in recent years, Simmons’ impact on health and fitness culture remains significant. His family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they’ve received since his passing.
A Reminder of Health
Richard Simmons’ accidental death serves as a reminder of the importance of fall prevention and heart health, especially for older adults. His legacy of inspiring others to lead healthier, happier lives will undoubtedly continue to influence generations to come.