The world recently bid farewell to Richard Simmons, the iconic fitness guru whose infectious energy and commitment to wellness made him a household name for decades.
Simmons passed away last month at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy of health, happiness, and a genuine connection with his fans.
Simmons’ death was officially confirmed by his brother, Lenny Simmons, who revealed that the beloved fitness instructor died due to “complications from recent falls and heart disease.”
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Lenny received the heartbreaking news from the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office on a Wednesday morning, as shared by the Simmons family spokesperson, Tom Estey.
“The coroner informed Lenny that Richard’s death was accidental due to complications from recent falls and heart disease as a contributing factor,” Estey explained to People magazine.
The toxicology report further clarified that there were no substances involved, aside from the medication that had been prescribed to Simmons.
In the wake of this news, the Simmons family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from fans around the world.
“The family wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss,” the spokesperson added, expressing their gratitude.
Richard Simmons was found by his long-time housekeeper, Teresa Reveles, on July 13, just one day after his 76th birthday.
Reveles, who had been with Simmons for years, confirmed in an emotional interview with People that Simmons had suffered a fall two days prior, on July 11. Despite her insistence that he seek medical attention, Simmons resisted.
“Let’s go to the hospital. Maybe you broke your leg,” Reveles remembered urging him. But Simmons, always known for his positivity and determination, responded, “No, Teresa. Not on my birthday. Why don’t we wait and do it in the morning?”
Tragically, by the next morning, it was too late.
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Reflecting on the circumstances surrounding his death, Reveles believed that Simmons may have suffered a heart attack.
Before her interview, the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner had confirmed that Simmons’ cause of death was deferred, pending further investigation.
The final determination, however, points to a combination of physical injuries from the fall and his ongoing heart condition.
Reveles shared more about Simmons’ health struggles in his final years, revealing that he had been unable to exercise or teach fitness classes, which had been the core of his identity for so long.
His health had been declining since 2014 when he underwent knee replacement surgery and was told he needed another one.
It was around this time that Simmons confided in her that he could no longer jump, a sign that his days as the vibrant, active fitness instructor the world knew and loved were coming to an end.
“When he told me that, I thought, ‘He’s kidding. He can’t do that,’” Reveles said, recalling her disbelief.
“But he said, ‘I want to be Richard. If I’m not going to be Richard …’ You know, with famous people they say, ‘The day I can’t be myself, then I have to stop working.’ And that’s why he did it.”
Simmons’ decision to step back from the public eye in 2014 puzzled many, but those close to him understood that it was a deeply personal choice.
He wanted to preserve the image that had brought so much joy to millions of people, rather than let the world see him in a diminished capacity.
A private funeral was held for Richard Simmons on July 19 in Los Angeles, attended by his family and closest friends. He was laid to rest at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary, a place where fans and loved ones alike can pay their respects to the man who revolutionized fitness and touched countless lives.
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In the days following his death, Lenny Simmons shared heartfelt memories of his brother with People magazine, urging fans to focus on the joy Richard brought to the world rather than the sadness of his passing.
“I don’t want people to be sad about my brother,” Lenny said. “I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people’s lives. He truly cared about people. He called, wrote, and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help.”
Lenny’s words capture the essence of Richard Simmons, a man who dedicated his life to lifting others up, whether through his energetic workout routines, his infectious personality, or his deep compassion for those in need.
As the world mourns the loss of Richard Simmons, it also celebrates a life well-lived, a life that was filled with laughter, love, and an unwavering commitment to helping others lead healthier, happier lives. And as Lenny Simmons so aptly put it, “Don’t be sad. Celebrate his life.”
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