How did Richard Simmons die? Cause of death explored as family gives out new statement

Television personality and fitness guru, Richard Simmons, who was one of the most exciting figures in the 1990s, passed away in July 2024 at the age of 76. Though his death was attributed to natural causes from the very start, no official cause of death was revealed last month.

Now, we finally have a statement from the family, where the family spokesperson shared that Simmons passed away from complications from recent falls as well as underlying heart conditions. The statement from the family read:

"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."

Richard Simmons passed away just a day after celebrating his 76th birthday.

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What happened to Richard Simmons?

Richard Simmons, one of the biggest personalities in the fitness industry, was found unresponsive by his housekeeper on July 13, 2024. This sounded alarm bells in the house, and the police were called immediately. The Los Angeles Police Department almost immediately ruled out "foul play," but it was not until today that we had an update on what really happened.

Reports also stated that Simmons had fallen down in his home just a day before he was found dead. This could have contributed to the death. He even told his housekeeper that he would seek medical care the next day, but he unfortunately passed away before that.

Interestingly, just two days before his 76th birthday, Simmons spoke to PEOPLE and claimed that he was feeling great. He had said:

"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."

Richard Simmon was arguably one of the biggest pop sensations in the world during his peak.

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All about Richard Simmons

Simmons was an American fitness instructor and television personality, whose weight-loss programs gained immense acclaim across the world. He opened his gym called The Anatomy Asylum, where he encouraged obese people to eat healthy, work out, and embrace a healthier lifestyle after he managed to achieve the feat himself.

His popularity rose rapidly and in 1980, Simmons starred in his own television show, The Richard Simmons Show, which aired from 1980 to 1984. He also won multiple Emmy awards for this. Over the years, he not only remained a fitness icon but also became one of the most successful pop culture icons of the century.

In 2014, Simmons stopped making any public appearances and disappeared almost completely. He led a secluded life for the following years, raising many questions about his status.

Just two days before his death, he finally appeared back in public and spoke to PEOPLE, in what would be the last time the world heard from him.

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Richard Simmons continues to inspire art and culture in various ways even today.