Hello everyone, we’ve got some somber news to share today about a beloved fitness icon who touched the lives of many—Richard Simmons. The legendary fitness star passed away on July 13 at the age of 76. According to reports from the New York Post, Simmons died due to “complications from recent falls and heart disease.” It’s a heartbreaking moment for those who grew up with his energetic workout routines and infectious enthusiasm.
Now, let’s break down what happened. Richard Simmons’ brother, Lenny, was contacted by the Los Angeles coroner’s office on a Wednesday morning.
The coroner informed him that Richard’s death was ruled as accidental, primarily due to complications from recent falls, with heart disease playing a contributing role.
According to the family spokesperson, Tom Estey, the toxicology report revealed no substances other than the medication Simmons had been prescribed. This means that there were no other factors at play in his passing, which, while tragic, provides some clarity for his loved ones.
The family has expressed their deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this incredibly difficult time. Losing someone as vibrant and caring as Richard Simmons is undoubtedly hard, but the overwhelming support from fans and friends has been a source of comfort for them.
Teresa Reveles, who worked as Simmons’ housekeeper, provided a bit more context about the days leading up to his death. She shared that Simmons had taken a nasty fall on July 11, just days before his passing. Despite his injuries, he chose not to seek immediate medical attention, opting instead to wait until after his birthday on July 12. Tragically, he never got that chance.
It’s important to remember that Richard Simmons had stepped out of the public eye in recent years. In 2023, when a biopic starring Pauly Shore was released, Simmons revealed that he was no longer in the limelight and was simply trying to live a peaceful, quiet life.
His housekeeper noted that Simmons retired from teaching fitness classes because his physical condition had deteriorated to the point where he felt he could no longer “be himself.” It’s a poignant reminder of how much he gave of himself to others, even as his own health declined.
But Lenny, Richard’s brother, wants to ensure that people remember Simmons for the joy and love he brought into the world. “I don’t want people to be sad about my brother,” Lenny 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, folks, let’s hold onto those memories of Richard Simmons—the man who made us smile, sweat, and believe in ourselves. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched.
