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Legendary TV fitness instructor Richard Simmons’ cause of death has been confirmed as accidental, one month after he passed away on July 13th.
The fitness guru, who died the day after his 76th birthday, was found dead by his housekeeper at his Los Angeles home.
No suspicious activity was suspected at the time, but the Los Angeles Coroner’s Office has reportedly opened an investigation into the exact cause of death.
On Wednesday (August 21), Simone’s brother, Lenny, released a statement announcing the findings of the Los Angeles coroner’s investigation. people.
“This morning, Richard Simmons’ brother, Lenny, received a call from the Los Angeles Coroner’s Office,” the statement read. “The coroner informed Lenny that Richard’s death was ruled an accident, due in part to complications from a recent fall and heart disease. Toxicology tests came back negative for all causes other than Richard’s prescribed medications. The family thanks everyone for the outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss.”
TMZ It was originally reported that Mr Simmons had fallen in his bathroom the night before his death but had refused advice from his housekeeper to seek medical attention.
Lenny previously spoke about his brother’s death: Tonight’s Entertainment He was in a “state of shock” and Ms Simmons explained that she initially thought he had food poisoning.
“He wasn’t feeling too well that day because he thought he had food poisoning, but he was getting better and had gone to bed a little earlier,” Renee said.
“So we didn’t think anything of it, everyone has bad days sometimes. [Richard’s housekeeper, Teresa] I was shocked when I got the call. I called my wife, Kathy, and said, “Come here. [Teresa’s] ‘ And truly… my soul [felt] Sucked in [out of my body].”
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The day before his death, Simmons thanked fans for sending him birthday wishes.
“Thank you…I’ve never received so many birthday messages in my life! As I sit here writing this email, wishing you the best for the rest of your Friday,” he tweeted.
In the last interview peopleIn “The Last Night,” released two days before his death, Simmons addressed his fans, saying, “I know you all miss me, and hey, I miss you all too. But I can reach you by phone or email, and I do get out of the house every now and then. But I’m in disguise.”
Simmons, who rose to fame in the 1980s as a diet consultant and motivational speaker, retired from public life in 2014.