Richard Simmons' Death Was an 'Accident' Due to 'Ground Level Fall' Says Medical Examiner in New Report

Mar. 15, 2025

Fitness legend Richard Simmons in 1984.Photo:American Broadcasting Companies via Getty

American Broadcasting Companies via Getty

The official report echoes what the Simmons family spokesperson, Tom Estey,exclusively told PEOPLEon Aug. 21: “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,” Estey had said.

Fitness legend Richard Simmons in 2013.Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

The Medical Examiner’s report mentions how Simmons had fallen before his death, writing, “Per reports, he experienced an episode of dizziness and collapsed on the floor on the evening of July 11, 2024.”

“He was found the next morning on July 12 and spent the day in bed. On the morning of July 13, he was found unresponsive on the bedroom floor. His death was pronounced at the scene.”

The wellness legend also had “a fracture of the left femur … There were incidental bilateral renal cortical cysts and a gallstone.”

Toxicology reports found the presence of diphenhydramine (an antihistamine), trazodone (an antidepressant), and zolpidem (which is used to treat insomnia); however, as the report points out “these do not appear to have contributed to the cause of death.”

Richard Simmons promoted weight loss on a “Cruise to Lose” in 1996.Alamy

Alamy

Two days prior to his death,Simmons gave what would be his last interview with PEOPLE.

“I feel good!” the late star told PEOPLE exclusively. “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.”

He joked that he would blow out a candle for his birthday, but added a caveat: “The candle will probably be on a zucchini,” Simmons joked.

“You know, I’m a vegetarian.”

Simmons was widely adored — andwidely mourned. During the course of his career, he produced more than 50 workout videos — including the milestone franchise,Sweatin’ to the Oldies,which sold more than 22 million copies — and was an early advocate for portion control with programs likeDeal-a-Meal.

Richard Simmons launched the groundbreaking “Sweatin' to the Oldies” franchise in the 1980s.Courtesy Everett

Courtesy Everett

As his brotherLenny had told PEOPLE, “I don’t want people to be sad about my brother.”

“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 don’t be sad,” Lenny told PEOPLE. “Celebrate his life.”

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source: people.com