Richard Simmons’ brother, Lenny, has verified that the fitness expert died from natural causes.
In a statement to People magazine, a spokeswoman for the Simmons family stated that Lenny received a call from the Los Angeles Coroner’s office informing him that Simmons’ death “was accidental due to complications from recent falls and heart diseases as a contributing factor.”
The spokesman also stated that the toxicology report “was negative other than the medication Richard had been prescribed.” Simmons’ family also thanked fans for “their outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss.”
The ’80s icon died on July 13 at his Los Angeles home, a day after turning 76. His housekeeper found him that morning and phoned 911.
READ MORE: Richard Simmons, ‘The Clown Prince Of Fitness,’ Died At 76
“I don’t want people to be sad about my brother,” Lenny said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter following Simmons’ death. “I want people to remember him for the real joy and love he brought into their lives. He really cared about others. He called, wrote, and emailed hundreds of people over his career to provide assistance. So do not be sad. “Celebrate his life.
According to TMZ, Simmons fell in his bathtub the night before his death due to dizziness and refused to seek medical assistance despite his housekeeper’s advice. He reportedly told her that he would rather see his doctor the next day; she followed his wishes and helped him back to bed.
Simmons thanked his fans for their birthday wishes in his final Facebook post that night. “Thank you…”I’ve never received so many birthday messages in my life! I am sitting here, composing emails. He wrote, “Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday.”
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