Richard Simmons’ cause of death confirmed by L.A. coroner: ‘Blunt traumatic injuries’
The Los Angeles County medical examiner has disclosed the official cause of death for fitness guru Richard Simmons, confirming details previously shared by the TV personality’s brother.
The coroner said Simmons’ primary cause of death was a result “of blunt traumatic injuries,” according to a statement released Thursday. Arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease — stiffened blood vessels that can restrict blood flow to the heart — was a contributing condition in Simmons’ death, which was ruled an accident.
The statement also confirmed reports that Simmons had “experienced a fall” on July 11 and spent the next day in bed. The self-proclaimed Weight Saint, who built an exercise-video empire and was known for his energy and bright and bedazzled outfits, died July 13, a day after his 76th birthday.
Richard Simmons, the colorful fitness guru who turned aerobic dancing and positive energy into decades of fame, died Saturday, law enforcement sources told The Times.
Simmons’ body was found at his home. At the time of his death, sources told The Times there was no evidence of foul play.
The medical examiner shared its report days after brother Lenny Simmons spoke out about how the fitness guru died.
“The Coroner informed Lenny that Richard’s death was accidental due to complications from recent falls and heart disease as a contributing factor,” family spokesperson Tom Estey told People in a statement published Wednesday. Estey added that Simmons’ toxicology report came back negative for drugs other “than the medication Richard had been prescribed.”
Simmons’ brother also seemingly confirmed reports that the pop culture icon died after falling at his home in Los Angeles, which TMZ reported in July. The TV personality’s housekeeper tried to get him to seek medical attention, but he brushed it off, law enforcement sources told the outlet at the time.
The coroner’s database has been updated to reflect new information. For nearly a month, the database listed Simmons’ cause of death as “deferred.” His body was released July 17.
Simmons was laid to rest at the Pierce Bros. Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary a week after his death, TMZ reported, citing the fitness personality’s death certificate.
The L.A. County medical examiner deferred the cause of death of fitness guru Richard Simmons pending more investigation. The exercise icon died Saturday at 76.
“The Family wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss,” Estey, who represented Simmons for more than 30 years, said Wednesday.
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