Richard Simmons’ brother Lenny Simmons told PEOPLE that the fitness guru’s death was an accident.
“This morning, Richard Simmons’ brother Lenny received a call from the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s office,” Simmons family spokesman Tom Estey said in a statement to PEOPLE. “The medical examiner advised Lenny that Richard’s death was an accident due to complications from recent falls and heart disease as a contributing factor. The toxicology report was negative, other than the medications that Richard had been prescribed. The family would like to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss.”
The news comes a month after it was announced that the cause of death had been “deferred” and further tests were needed.
Richard Simmons was found dead in his Los Angeles home by his housekeeper on July 13, one day after celebrating his 76th birthday.
Los Angeles police and fire departments said they were called to a home where Simmons died of natural causes.
Simmons announced a skin diagnosis in March 2024. In March, he posted on social media that he was dying, only to apologize for the “confusion” a day later.
“I have news to tell you,” he posted in March. “Please don’t be sad. I’m… dying. The truth is we all die. With every day we live, we get closer to our death.”
“Why am I telling you this? Because I want you to live your life to the fullest every day. Get up in the morning and look up at the sky… count your blessings and enjoy it.”
He later clarified the article.
“I’m sorry that many of you were upset about my message today. Even the press contacted me,” the fitness star posted. “I’m not dying.”
Mark Heim is a reporter at The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_HeimHe can be heard daily from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile app.
