Richard Simmons’ family has revealed the cause of his death, which occurred in July 2024 at the age of 76. According to the family’s spokesperson, Tom Estey, Simmons died from “complications from recent falls” and heart disease. The Los Angeles Coroner’s Office informed Simmons’ brother, Lenny Simmons, of the autopsy results on August 21.
The official statement noted that Simmons’ death was classified as accidental due to the aforementioned complications, with heart disease contributing to the situation. A toxicology report showed no significant findings except for medications prescribed to Simmons. The family expressed gratitude for the public’s support during their time of loss.
On August 22, the Los Angeles Coroner’s Office confirmed the family’s statement, detailing that Simmons died from “sequelae of blunt traumatic injuries” and identified “arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease” as a contributing factor. The complete medical examiner’s report was expected to be released on August 30.
Simmons had given his last interview just two days before his passing and had been largely out of the public eye for nearly a decade.
On the day of his death, Simmons was discovered unresponsive in Hollywood Hills. First responders pronounced him dead at the scene following a call made to the authorities at 1 p.m. ET. In response to his brother’s death, Lenny Simmons expressed that the family was in shock but encouraged the public to celebrate Richard’s joyful and loving spirit.
While there was speculation about his health, Richard Simmons did not die of cancer. However, he had been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer, just four months prior. In a Facebook post, he shared details about the diagnosis and treatments he underwent.
Despite a worrying post in which he suggested he was “dying,” he later clarified that he was not in immediate danger. He emphasized the importance of enjoying life and cherishing loved ones in his messages before his passing. At the time, his representative reassured the public that Simmons was “happy and healthy.”