After the passing of Richard Simmons in July 2024 at the age of 76, his family has now disclosed the cause of his death.
The iconic fitness guru, who rose to fame in the 1970s and 80s, passed away due to “complications from recent falls” compounded by heart disease, according to a statement from the family’s spokesperson, Tom Estey. Estey revealed that the Los Angeles Coroner’s Office informed Richard Simmons’ brother, Lenny Simmons, of the autopsy results on August 21.
“The Coroner informed Lenny that Richard’s death was accidental, resulting from complications related to recent falls, with heart disease also playing a role,” the statement read. “The toxicology report was clear, aside from the medications Richard had been prescribed. The family extends their heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming love and support during this period of profound loss.”
Just two days before his death, Simmons gave his final interview. Prior to that, he had remained out of the public eye for nearly a decade.
The Circumstances Surrounding Richard Simmons' Death
Richard Simmons’ death was officially ruled as accidental, caused by "complications from recent falls, with heart disease as a contributing factor," as stated by a family representative.
Last month, Simmons was found unresponsive at his home in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. At the time, two law enforcement sources confirmed this information.
Emergency responders from the L.A. Fire and Police Departments arrived on the scene at 1 p.m. ET and pronounced Simmons deceased upon arrival.
In a statement to TODAY.com, Lenny Simmons expressed the family’s shock over the sudden loss of his brother but urged the public not to mourn.
“I want people to remember the genuine joy and love he brought into their lives,” Lenny said. “He truly cared about others, reaching out through calls, letters, and emails to offer help throughout his career.”
“So, don’t be sad. Celebrate his life,” Lenny Simmons added.
Clarification on Richard Simmons and Cancer
Contrary to some reports, Richard Simmons did not die from cancer, as confirmed by his family.
However, just four months before his passing, Simmons was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer.
He shared on Facebook that he had noticed a “strange-looking bump” under his right eye, which he initially treated with Neosporin before seeking professional medical advice.
“I sat in the dermatologist’s chair as he examined it through a magnifying mirror. He told me he would need to scrape it and examine it under a microscope. I started feeling nervous. When he returned about 20 minutes later, he said the word no one wants to hear: cancer,” Simmons wrote in his post.
The fitness legend explained that doctors made two attempts to burn off the cancerous skin, but some malignant cells persisted. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, curettage and electrodessication, common treatments for basal cell carcinoma, often involve heat.
In a subsequent Facebook post, Richard Simmons shared that a third procedure successfully removed the remaining cancerous cells.
“Before I left, he checked my arms, back, chest, and legs. I had a little Frankenstein scar under my right eye for a while, but thanks to his meticulous work, I don’t have a lasting scar,” Simmons wrote.
Richard Simmons’ “I’m Dying” Facebook Post Explained
A day before disclosing his skin cancer diagnosis, Richard Simmons caused a stir by writing on Facebook that he was “dying.”
“I have some news to share. Please don’t be sad. I am…dying,” the post began.
“Oh, I can imagine your faces right now. The truth is, we are all dying,” he continued. “Every day we live brings us closer to our eventual death. Why am I telling you this? Because I want you to live your life to the fullest every single day. Wake up, look at the sky…count your blessings and enjoy life.”
Simmons also emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and nurturing meaningful relationships with loved ones.
“There’s something else very important you need to do. Tell the people you love that you love them. Hug those who matter to you. A big hug can go a long way,” he wrote. “If you have a moment, listen to a great song by Tim McGraw called Live Like You Were Dying. Live today and don’t forget to pray. Love, Richard.”
After receiving widespread concern over his post, Richard Simmons clarified on X that he was not dying and did not provide further details about his health status at that time.
“I’m sorry many of you were upset by my message today. Even the press reached out to me. I am not dying,” Simmons wrote. “It was meant as a reminder to embrace every day we have. I apologize for any confusion. Love, Richard.”