Richard Simmons' Cause of Death at 76 Revealed by Fitness Guru's Brother Lenny (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Late fitness guru Richard Simmons in 2013.

Richard Simmons' death was accidental, his brother, Lenny Simmons, tells PEOPLE exclusively.

In a statement to PEOPLE on Wednesday, Aug. 21, the Simmons family spokesperson, Tom Estey, says: “This morning, Richard Simmons' brother Lenny, received a call from the LA Coroner’s office. The Coroner informed Lenny that Richard’s death was accidental due to complications from recent falls and heart disease as a contributing factor. 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.”

Although the Los Angeles Police Department said “there is no foul play,”the cause of his death was originally deferred as additional testing was needed.

Earlier reportssaid that Simmons had fallen in his home on July 12, after feeling dizzy, and that the exercise icon had told his housekeeper he would possibly seek medical care the next day, if he still felt ill.

Richard Simmons in 2013.Charles Norfleet/FilmMagic

Charles Norfleet/FilmMagic

“The world has truly lost an angel,” Estey told PEOPLE.

Simmons spokeexclusively to PEOPLE just two days before he died, sharing how he was planning to celebrate his 76th birthday. He joked that he’ll blow out a candle, but “the candle will probably be on a zucchini,”he quipped.“You know, I’m a vegetarian.”

At the time, Simmons told PEOPLE, “I feel good! I am grateful that I’m here, that I am alive for another day. I’ll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people.”

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It was part ofhis final interview with PEOPLE, where the outspoken star shared that “I never thought of myself as a celebrity.”

“People don’t know this, I’m really a shy person and a little bit of an introvert," Simmons told PEOPLE. “But when that curtain goes up that’s a different story. I’m there to make people happy.”

Simmons was as much a beloved pop culture personality as he was a fitness inspiration, with regular appearances on talk shows likeLate Night withDavid Lettermanand theMacy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

He produced more than 50 workout videos — including his iconic franchise,Sweatin’ to the Oldies,which sold more than 22 million copies — and encouraged portion control and healthy eating with top-selling meal plans likeDeal-a-Meal.

Richard Simmons in 1992.Harry Langdon/Getty

Harry Langdon/Getty

It’s Simmons' career and the joy he found in helping others that his brother, Lenny, hopes people remember.

“I don’t want people to be sad about my brother,” he previouslyshared with PEOPLE,

“I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people’s lives,” he continued. “He truly cared about people. He called, wrote and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help.”

“So don’t be sad,” Lenny added. “Celebrate his life.”

source: people.com