Richard Simmons' Official Cause Of Death Revealed

Fitness icon Richard Simmons was discovered on August 13 by his housekeeper, just one day after marking his 76th birthday.

While the LA Police Department has stated there’s “no foul play” suspected, the cause of death remained under investigation as further tests were being conducted.

On August 21, Richard Simmons' brother, Lenny Simmons, revealed his official cause of death.

The Los Angeles Fire Department previously released details about the fitness star’s death. Captain Erik Scott reported, "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," Scott added.

The tragic news came one decade after the fitness guru took a step back from public life. In March 2016, he reassured fans through Entertainment Tonight, saying 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 late 76-year-old added.

In a statement to People Magazine, on Wednesday, August 21, Simmons family spokesperson, 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 accidentaldue to complications from recent falls and heart disease as a contributing factor," he added. "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.”

Early reports revealed that Simmons took a tumble at his home on August 12 after feeling dizzy. The fitness legend reportedly told his housekeeper he might head to the doctor the next day if he didn’t start feeling better.

Just two days before he died, as he prepared to celebrate his 76th birthday, Simmons told People, "I feel good! I am grateful that I'm here, that I am alive for another day. I'll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people."

Following his death, his brother, Lenny, shared,  "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 told the outlet. "He called, wrote and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help."

A few months before he passed away, Simmons worried fans as he shared a cryptic post which began with, "I have some news to tell you. Please don’t be sad. I am ….dying."

"Oh I can see your faces now. The truth is we all are dying. Every day we live we are getting closer to our death," he continued. "Why am I telling you this? Because I want you to enjoy your life to the fullest every single day. Get up in the morning and look at the sky… count your blessings and enjoy."

Just hours after his cryptic Facebook post made waves, Simmons took to social media again to clear up the confusion. "Sorry many of you have gotten upset about my message today. Even the press has gotten in touch with me. I am not dying," he said. "It was a message about saying how we should embrace every day that we have."

Richard Simmons was always about advocating healthy living. Earlier this year, he shared some key habits that he recommended everyone incorporate into their daily routines.

“Do you like oatmeal…. Whole wheat toast ..eggs once or twice a week Fresh fruit or half of an English muffin?” he asked, before moving onto lunch, “How about a nice salad?” But he had one piece of advice for his fans — “Don’t eat your dinner too late.”

“Combine your protein with a starch and a few vegetables,” he said. “And sure, once in a while, have dessert. One healthy day of eating will lead to the next…and the next.”