Richard Simmons has died due to complications from recent falls and heart disease, according to a family spokesperson. Tom Estey confirmed the cause of death and directed NBC News to a statement originally provided to People magazine, which first revealed the details surrounding Simmons’ death.
The statement notes that the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office informed Simmons’ brother, Lenny, about the findings. Toxicology tests indicated that Simmons’ body contained only prescribed medications, Estey said.
A representative from the medical examiner’s office mentioned that they would release further details about the cause and manner of death once the autopsy report is complete, although no specific timeline was given.
Simmons was found unresponsive at his home in the Hollywood Hills on July 13, just a day after celebrating his 76th birthday, according to two law enforcement sources.
Known for his battle with weight and health issues, Simmons transformed his life from weighing 268 pounds to 156, using his journey as motivation to combat obesity. He opened his own gym, SLIMMONS, in 1974 and followed that with a restaurant, Ruffage, and an exercise studio, Anatomy Asylum, in the subsequent year. His enterprises became popular among celebrities and led to his rise in television and video production.
Simmons also produced influential fitness programs, including “The Richard Simmons Show” on television and the widely recognized “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” on VHS.
On March 20, Simmons revealed via social media that he had been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. He later updated followers, stating that the condition had been successfully treated through three procedures with a specialist.