Richard Simmons’ cause of death at 76 revealed by his brother Lenny
Richard Simmons’ cause of death has been confirmed.
The fitness guru’s brother, Lenny Simmons, revealed that the star died last month at 76 due to “complications from recent falls and heart disease.”
Lenny “received a call from the LA coroner’s office” Wednesday morning, Simmons family spokesperson Tom Estey told People magazine.
“The coroner informed Lenny that Richard’s death was accidental due to complications from recent falls and heart disease as a contributing factor,” Estey continued. “The toxicology report was negative other than medication Richard had been prescribed.”
“The family wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss,” the spokesperson added.
Simmons was found dead on July 13, one day after his 76th birthday, by his housekeeper, Teresa Reveles.
Reveles confirmed in an interview with People that Simmons suffered a fall on July 11. The next day, on his birthday, Simmons refused to get medical help.
“Let’s go to the hospital. Maybe you broke your leg,” Reveles recalled telling Simmons. She said he responded, “No, Teresa. Not on my birthday. Why we don’t wait and we do it in the morning.”
“But in the morning it was too late,” she said.
Reveles told People she believed Simmons died of a heart attack.
Before her interview, The Post confirmed with the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner that Simmons’ cause of death was deferred and was pending investigation.
Reveles said that Simmons couldn’t exercise or teach fitness classes prior to his death. She also said he had knee replacement surgery and needed another one.
According to Reveles, Simmons told her in 2014 that he couldn’t jump anymore and “I think it’s time for me to stop.”
“When he told me that I thought, ‘He’s kidding. He can’t do that,’ ” said Reveles. “But he said, ‘I want to be Richard. If I’m not going to be Richard …’ You know, with famous people they say, ‘The day I can’t be myself, then I have to stop working.’ And that’s why he did it.”
The fitness instructor’s private funeral was held in Los Angeles on July 19 for his family and closest friends. He was buried at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary.
Lenny remembered his late brother in an interview with People after his death.
“I don’t want people to be sad about my brother,” said Lenny. “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.”
He concluded: “So don’t be sad. Celebrate his life.”
