Fitness guru Richard Simmons’ family has confirmed his cause of death.
In a statement to People magazine published on Wednesday, the “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” icon’s brother, Lenny Simmons, said coroners had concluded his sibling had died by accident after suffering “complications from recent falls” with “heart disease as a contributing factor.”
“The toxicology report was negative other than medication Richard had been prescribed,” the statement noted. “The Family wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss.”
Simmons was found unresponsive at his Los Angeles home by his longtime housekeeper, Teresa Reveles, on the morning of July 13, just one day after his 76th birthday. Law enforcement pronounced him dead at the scene.
Following his death, TMZ reported that the reclusive wellness professional had refused medical attention after falling in his bathroom the night prior to his passing.
Simmons was a pop culture phenomenon and media mainstay throughout the ’80s and ’90s, often appearing as a guest on late-night talk shows and later as the host of his own Daytime Emmy-winning series, “The Richard Simmons Show.”
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Beloved for his jubilant personality and optimistic energy, in 2010, the star claimed he’d helped his followers collectively lose 12 million pounds.
A major part of his mission was promoting the idea that exercise was for everyone and not just fitness buffs.
During his later years, Simmons largely retreated from the public eye.
In a January statement shared on his Facebook page, he told fans that he was no longer working with a manager or a publicist and was just hoping “to live a quiet life and be peaceful.”
While mourning his brother back in July, Lenny Simmons told People he hoped fans would remember the positivity his sibling shared with the world.
“I don’t want people to be sad about my brother,” he said. “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.”
“So don’t be sad. Celebrate his life,” he added.
