Fitness expert Richard Simmons passed away due to complications arising from recent falls and heart disease, according to a family spokesperson. Tom Estey confirmed this information on Wednesday, referencing a statement originally shared with People magazine, which first reported the circumstances surrounding Simmons’ death.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office informed Simmons’ brother, Lenny, about the details early Wednesday. Toxicology tests indicated that only prescribed medications were found in Simmons’ body, as stated by Estey.
A spokesperson for the medical examiner’s office mentioned that further details regarding the cause and manner of death will be released once the autopsy report is completed, although no specific timeline was provided.
Simmons was discovered unresponsive on July 13 at his Hollywood Hills residence, just a day after celebrating his 76th birthday, according to law enforcement sources.
He gained prominence after overcoming his own struggles with weight and health, transforming his body from 268 to 156 pounds and dedicating his life to combating obesity. Simmons noted the challenges in finding gyms catering to individuals who weren’t already fit during the early 1970s in Los Angeles.
In 1974, he founded his own gym, SLIMMONS, and opened a restaurant called Ruffage, along with an exercise studio, Anatomy Asylum, the following year. These ventures attracted numerous celebrities, further boosting his presence in television and video productions.
Simmons was also known for his extensive media presence, including “The Richard Simmons Show” and the popular workout tapes like “Sweatin’ to the Oldies.”
On March 20, Simmons announced on social media that he had been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a skin cancer type. He later updated his followers, stating that the issue had been successfully addressed through three procedures with a cancer specialist.