Cause of Death Revealed in Richard Simmons’ Tragic Passing
Throughout the 1980s, one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood was that of fitness guru Richard Simmons. The beloved Simmons was known for his dozens of exercise videos that helped people lose weight in a fun way.
Simmons’s outgoing personality and positive vibes made millions feel comfortable dancing the pounds away. Simmons knew that it was harder to stick to a workout routine when it wasn’t fun, and he was determined to make everyone have a great time while burning some calories.
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Throughout his long and illustrious career, Simmons made dozens of exercise videos, including Sweatin’ to the Oldies (1988), Supersweatin’: Party Off the Pounds (2006), Boogie Down the Pounds (2013), Latin Blast Off (2001), Tonin’ Downtown (1998), and many more. His flamboyant personality also got him roles in a number of films and television shows like All My Children, Dinosaurs, What Women Want (2000), and Arrested Development.
Sadly, on July 13, Mr. Simmons was found dead in his home in the Hollywood Hills. He was found by his housekeeper just one day after he celebrated his 76th birthday.
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According to Mr. Simmons’s housekeeper, the entertainer had been feeling dizzy on his birthday. The housekeeper said that they encouraged Mr. Simmons to go to the hospital, but he did not want to, since it was his birthday. Later that night, he reportedly fell in his bathroom and hit his head. His housekeeper helped him into bed and then left for the night.
Police suspected no foul play, but since the medical examiner listed the manner of death as “deferred,” an investigation was launched. Now, just one month later, we have learned Mr. Simmons’s cause of death.
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On August 21, Richard’s brother, Lenny, spoke to PEOPLE and confirmed that his brother’s death had finally been confirmed as “accidental.” The actor was taking certain medications, but those did not contribute to his sudden, devastating passing.
In a statement to PEOPLE on Wednesday, Aug. 21, the Simmons family spokesperson, Tom Estey, says: “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.”
Just two days before his death, Richard also spoke to PEOPLE and said that he was grateful to be alive. He said that he did not have big plans for his birthday, but he wanted to celebrate it by helping people.
Shortly after his death, Lenny told fans that he did not want them to be sad about his brother’s passing. Instead, he wanted them to smile when they remembered him and celebrate his amazing life.
We continue to extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Richard Simmons. He will always be loved by fans around the world.
I do smile when I think about him. I enjoyed (and still do) his videos, not for the express purpose of losing weight, but for the purpose of getting exercise in a fun way. His bubbly personality and frankly goofy outfits were a tonic in the time of exercise gurus who made “working out” a chore. RIP, Richard. I hope that you are still smiling, wherever you are.