According to The Hollywood Reporter, the brother of Richard Simmons (The Richard Simmons Show) Lenny, confirmed his death was due to natural causes. In an acknowledgement with People magazine, a representative for the Simmons family stated that Lenny acquired a phone call from the Los Angeles Coroner’s office, advising him that Simmon’s death was an accident that was due to some recent falls and heart diseases.
The spokesperson continued to inform that the toxicology report gave negative results besides medication Simmons was prescribed to take. The Simmons family continually expanded their appreciation to fans for “their outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss.”
Simmons was an American professional fitness instructor and coach. He had his own shows, including Sweatin’ to the Oldies, an aerobics and workout show. He had been in Disney programs such as the movie Hercules: Zero to Hero and Disney XD’s Fish Hooks. He died in his home in Los Angeles on July 13, a day after his 76th birthday. He was found by his housekeeper that morning, who made sure to call 911.
Lenny stated in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter when Simmons passed, “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 other 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. Celebrate his life.”
A report on TMZ revealed that the night before his death, Simmons fell after feeling lightheaded and refused to seek medical help. His housekeeper demanded that he make an appointment with his doctor. He allegedly said he would visit his doctor the next day. She respected that and assisted him to bed.
The same night, Simmons wrote his final message on Facebook, thanking his fans for the birthday wishes. “Thank you…I never got so many messages about my birthday in my life! I am sitting here writing emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday,” he wrote in the post.