Richard Simmons tragically passed away a day after his 76th birthday, and the Los Angeles Medical Examiner has now confirmed his death was due to accidental causes.
According to the official report released on Thursday, August 29, the beloved fitness guru suffered "sequelae of blunt traumatic injuries" from a fall at ground level, with "arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease" noted as a contributing factor.
The report — obtained by E! News — detailed an unfortunate incident where Simmons experienced dizziness and fell on July 11. He was discovered the next morning and remained bedridden throughout the afternoon. Tragically, he was found unresponsive on the floor the following day, July 13, and was pronounced dead at his residence.
Tom Estey, a representative for the Simmons family, had previously shared with People that the famous aerobic instructor's death was tied to recent falls, with underlying heart disease playing a role, aligning with the Medical Examiner's findings. "This morning, Richard Simmons' brother Lenny, received a call from the LA Coroner's office," Estey told the publication on Wednesday, August 21. "The Coroner informed Lenny that Richard's death was accidental due to complications from recent falls and heart disease as a contributing factor."
The autopsy also revealed Simmons had "incidental bilateral renal cortical cysts and a gallstone." As for the toxicology report, it showed "the presence of diphenhydramine, trazodone, and zolpidem," but they "do not appear to have contributed to the cause of death."
Two days before his passing, the Sweatin' to the Oldies wellness pioneer gave his last interview. Speaking with People, Simmons 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." He went on to joke that he would blow out a candle for his birthday, but added a twist: "The candle will probably be on a zucchini," the Emmy winner quipped.
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