Fitness Guru Richard Simmons Cause Of Death Deferred Pending Investigation

The plot thickens in Richard Simmons' demise, with authorities looking into his cause of death.

The fitness guru was initially believed to have died from natural causes with no foul play in question. However, the Los Angeles Police Department believes additional investigations are necessary.

Richard Simmons took his final breath on July 13, a day after turning 76 and reportedly suffering a significant fall in his Los Angeles home.

The LAPD recently confirmed that Simmons' cause of death is being investigated but shared no additional information as to why. The Medical Examiner's Office echoed similar sentiments, revealing their initial statement about his demise has been deferred.

This means Simmons' cause of death is no longer regarded as natural causes until an investigation and additional testing are done. It can reportedly take up to three months before the new cause of death is determined.

Simmons was found dead at his Los Angeles home on July 13, a day after celebrating his 76th birthday. Following his demise, his longtime publicist, Tom Estey, told PEOPLE, "The world has truly lost an angel."

The Los Angeles Fire Department addressed the fitness personality's death in a statement, revealing his likely cause of death. Captain Erik Scott shared that "On July 13, 2024, at 9:55 AM, the LAFD responded to a Suspected Death Incident at the 1300 block of N Belfast Drive."

"Upon arrival, one rescue ambulance discovered a 76-year-old male who was pronounced deceased on-scene by firefighter/paramedics due to apparent natural causes. As a result, no hospital transport was necessary," he explained.

Simmons' death comes ten years after he withdrew from the spotlight and stopped appearing in public. In March 2016, he addressed fans' concerns about his well-being, telling ET it was time "for Richard Simmons to take care of Richard Simmons."

"I love all the people who worry about me. But it was time for me to take some time to be by myself. This is how I want to live my life right now," the 76-year-old stressed.

Tributes have been pouring in for Simmons, with his brother, Lenny, sharing heartfelt words in an interview. He reflected on the fitness guru's life and successes, praising him for helping people achieve a "better, healthier life."

"What you see in interviews, what you saw on his exercise videos, that's the way he was. He didn't turn anything off. This is the way he talked to people. He loved hugging people," Lenny claimed, adding:

"I mean, he did things for people that I don't think anybody else would do... He would actually go and visit people who were extremely obese and tried to help them."

As for their brotherhood, Simmons' sibling raved: "He was even patient with me even though I'm the older brother. I always looked up to him because I said he's the real deal. He's the person that everybody liked, everybody loved."

As The Blast shared, Simmons' death comes a day after he celebrated his 76th birthday on Friday, July 12. He commemorated the age milestone on Facebook, reflecting on his past celebrations in the spotlight.

"When I taught a class at Slimmons, on my birthday, they would have special cakes made for me. One was a sheet cake airbrushed with my picture on it.…….one was a Barbie doll, and her dress was the cake," he began, adding:

"So many of you have sent me birthday wishes on my Facebook and other platforms. I really appreciate that. I don't know when your birthday is, but I wish you a happy and healthy birthday! Love, Richard."

Before his death, Simmons addressed his new age in an interview, saying: "I feel good. I am grateful that I'm here and that I am alive for another day. I'll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people."

The 76-year-old's excitement for his birthday influenced his decision to stay home despite needing medical assistance. The Blast reported that his housekeeper told authorities he slipped in the bathroom after complaining of dizziness.

Despite her pleas to call emergency services, the fitness personality allegedly asked to be helped back into bed. He considered checking in on Saturday because he wished to spend his birthday at home.

It remains unclear if Richard Simmons' bathroom fall influenced his passing. But with the new investigation into the cause of his death, the mystery will soon be solved.