The brother of late fitness guru Richard Simmons has revealed his cause of death in a statement to People magazine on Wednesday.
According to Simmons’ brother, Lenny, the L.A. coroner’s office said the TV star’s death at 76 was caused by a mix of complications from recent falls and heart disease.
“The toxicology report was negative other than medication Richard had been prescribed,” Lenny Simmons said. “The Family wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss.”
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Simmons was found on July 13 by his longtime housekeeper, a day after celebrating his 76th birthday, after reportedly suffering a fall in his home on July 12.
The Los Angeles Police Department ruled that there was “no foul play” suspected. However, his cause of death was deferred at the time and not released.
In the months leading up to Simmons’ death, a series of cryptic social media posts led some fans to speculate about the condition of his health.
Social media, particularly Facebook, had become the main medium Simmons used to speak to his fan base. The night before his death, he thanked his fans for their birthday wishes.
“So many of you have sent me birthday wishes on my Facebook and other platforms,” he wrote. “I really appreciate that.”
Simmons’ team shared a final Facebook post that was scheduled before his death in which he encouraged his fans to reach for the stars: “Let me fly you to the moon so we can gaze among the stars,” the post read, along with a photo of Simmons in a NASA space suit. “Love, Richard.”
