Richard Simmons’ death was accidental, his brother Lenny Simmons confirmed to PEOPLE in an exclusive statement on Wednesday, August 21. The Simmons family spokesperson, Tom Estey, revealed that Lenny had received a call from the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office earlier that morning. According to Estey, the Coroner’s report indicated that Simmons’ death resulted from complications related to recent falls and underlying heart disease. The toxicology report showed no illicit substances, with only prescribed medication detected.
Simmons, a beloved fitness icon, was discovered by his longtime housekeeper on July 13, the day after his 76th birthday. Tom Estey, who had previously confirmed the news to PEOPLE, said that although the Los Angeles Police Department had ruled out foul play, the cause of death was initially deferred pending further tests.
Reports indicated that Simmons had fallen at his home on July 12 after experiencing dizziness. He had reportedly told his housekeeper that he might seek medical attention the following day if his condition did not improve.
Simmons’ publicist, Tom Estey, shared a poignant reflection, stating, “The world has truly lost an angel.”
In his final moments, Simmons spoke exclusively to PEOPLE about his plans to celebrate his 76th birthday. He humorously remarked that he would blow out a candle, “but the candle will probably be on a zucchini,” alluding to his vegetarian lifestyle. He expressed gratitude for his life and enthusiasm for continuing his daily work of helping others.
Simmons, who was known for his vibrant personality and dedication to fitness, also shared his thoughts on celebrity and personal identity. He told PEOPLE, “I never thought of myself as a celebrity. People don’t know this, but I’m really a shy person and a little bit of an introvert. But when that curtain goes up, that’s a different story. I’m there to make people happy.”
Throughout his career, Simmons gained fame not only as a fitness guru but also as a cherished pop culture figure. He made numerous appearances on talk shows, including “Late Night with David Letterman,” and was a staple of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. His signature workout videos, particularly the “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” series, sold more than 22 million copies. Additionally, his meal planning program, Deal-a-Meal, was a commercial success.
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Richard Simmons’ legacy extends beyond his fitness programs; he was renowned for his genuine care and commitment to his fans. Lenny Simmons, reflecting on his brother’s impact, stated that he hoped people would remember Richard not for the sadness of his passing but for the joy he brought to others.
“I don’t want people to be sad about my brother,” Lenny said in an earlier conversation with PEOPLE. “I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people’s lives. He truly cared about people. He called, wrote, and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help.”
Lenny concluded with a message of celebration, urging fans to honor Richard Simmons by celebrating his life rather than mourning his death.
