Famous fitness guru Richard Simmons' cause of death has been disclosed .
Richard's brother Lenny Simmons told PEOPLE exclusively that his death was accidental through the Simmons family spokesperson, Tom Estey. Lenny has explained that he received a call from the LA Coroner's office who informed him of the manner of his brother's death.
In a statement given to the outlet by the spokesperson : "This morning, Richard Simmons' brother Lenny, received a call from the LA Coroner's office. The Coroner informed Lenny that Richard's death was accidental due to complications from recent falls and heart disease as a contributing factor. The toxicology report was negative other than medication Richard had been prescribed. The Family wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss."
The late fitness instructor was found dead by his longtime housekeeper on July 13, which was one day after he was celebrating his 76-birthday. At the time of his death, there was "no foul play" expected and police had believed he had died of natural cause.
TMZ first reported that Richard had fallen in the bathroom in his home and the LAPD's elite Robbery Homicide Division responded due to his high-profile nature. They also reported that Richard had felt dizzy before his fall and he refused medical attention.
Richard had refused because he didn't want to go on the night of his birthday but would consider it the next day. However, he was tragically found fead the next day. Even though the Los Angeles Police Department declared there was no foul play at first, they still investigated his death further. The Medical Examiner's Office had deferred Richard's cause of death which means "an investigation and additional testing."
Two days before he died, Richard spoke to PEOPLE about his plans for his 76th birthday. He quipped that the candle he will bow out, "will probably be on a zucchini" because "You know, I'm a vegetarian."
He also expressed how grateful and excited he was for the occasion: "I feel good! I am grateful that I'm here, that I am alive for another day. I'll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people."
The Louisiana native was also active on social media hours before his unexpected passing. His most recent social media post had been on X, formely Twitter, with, "Hello gorgeous! Please don’t rain on my parade." Richard made a name for himself as a fitness icon with he created his own fitness and health club SLIMMONS. He has made 65 fitness videos over the course of his caree, sold over 20 million copies, wrote nine books and three cookbooks.
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