Richard Simmons Death Now a Police Investigation

In the 1980s, many people who wanted to lose some weight and get in shape turned to legendary fitness icon Richard Simmons and his exciting workout videos. What made Simmons’ workout videos so popular was that they were not typical videos that included things like push-ups, sit-ups, and weightlifting. Simmons knew that people would be more inclined to keep exercising and getting healthy if they enjoyed what they were doing.

Credit: Ren-Mar Studios

Throughout his life, Simmons created dozens of workout 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 so many more.

Sadly, on July 13, Richard Simmons passed away, just one day after celebrating his 76th birthday. Simmons was reportedly found dead in his Los Angeles home by his housekeeper, who immediately called 9-1-1. Police originally determined that his death was due to natural causes and that no foul play was suspected.

Credit: Richard Simmons, Instagram

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However, now that the medical examiner has concluded his investigation, a police investigation has been launched.

According to PEOPLE, the Medical Examiner’s Office officially stated that Simmons’ cause of death had been “deferred pending further investigation.” That means that an investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department and further testing — like a toxicology workup — must be completed before his cause of death can be made official.

Credit: Richard Simmons, Instagram

According to a report from TMZ, Simmons had reportedly been feeling dizzy on his birthday. His housekeeper allegedly told Mr. Simmons that he should go to the hospital, but he did not want to. He said that he would consider going the next day but did not want to go to the emergency room on his birthday.

Later that night, he allegedly fell in his bathroom and hit his head. The housekeeper reportedly helped Mr. Simmons into bed and left. Another source said that there were no indications of injury, like bruising or bleeding. We also do not know why Simmons was allegedly feeling dizzy. The toxicology report — which can take six to eight weeks to complete — may shed more light on what happened.

Credit: Richard Simmons, Instagram

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While he is most well-known for his upbeat exercise videos, Simmons began his career as an actor and appeared in a number of films and television shows over the years. He starred in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie (1988), What Women Want (2000), the soap opera General Hospital, and the animated series Fish Hooks.

Prior to his death, Simmons had not been seen in public since 2014.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Richard Simmons.