Fans are upset to learn that Richard Simmons' death was “accidental”

Heavy/Getty/LA County

Richard Simmons, photo of the entrance to the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office

Five weeks after the shocking death of fitness guru Richard Simmons – who was found dead in his home by his housekeeper on July 13, 2024, one day after his 76th birthday – the Los Angeles Coroner's Office has determined the cause of death to be accidental, according to his family.

In a statement given to People magazine on August 21, family spokesman Tom Estey said: “This morning, Richard Simmons' brother Lenny received a call from the Los Angeles County Coroner. The Coroner advised Lenny that Richard's death was an accident due to complications from recent falls and heart disease as a contributing cause.”

“The toxicology report was negative, except for the medications prescribed for Richard,” the statement continued. “The family would like to thank everyone for their tremendous love and support during this time of great loss.”

Richard's many fans immediately took to social media to express their sadness at the news, knowing that his death could have been prevented as there were reports that he had fallen on his birthday and had also complained of possible food poisoning.

Richard Simmons refused to seek medical attention after a fall on his birthday

GettyFitness activist Richard Simmons greets fans after a rally on Capitol Hill on July 24, 2008 in Washington, DC.

According to TMZ, the night before his death, Richard was dizzy and fell in his bathroom. His housekeeper, Teresa Reveles, helped him up and urged him to seek medical attention, but he refused, the newspaper reported. She helped him to bed, but found him dead on his bedroom floor the next morning, according to TMZ.

Lenny also told ET on July 15 that Richard had complained on the phone the night before his death that he might have gotten food poisoning on his birthday.

“It was really a shock,” he said. “He wasn't feeling too well that day because he thought he had food poisoning, but he got better and went to bed a little earlier. So we really didn't think anything of it.”

On the evening of July 15, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to People that an investigation had been launched into Richard's death, although no foul play was suspected. In response, the local medical examiner's office told People that Richard's cause of death had “since been deferred” pending further investigation.

Reveles, who worked for Richard for nearly 36 years, told People on July 29 that she believes Richard died of a heart attack.

“When I saw him, he looked peaceful,” she said, but added that his hands were clenched into fists. “That's how I know it was a heart attack. I had a heart attack a few years ago and my hands were doing the same thing.”

Fans are upset because Richard Simmons' death was classified as an “accident”

As news of Richard Simmons' cause of death spread, many fans took to social media, devastated by the knowledge that if he had sought medical attention on the night of his birthday, his life may have been saved.

One person tweeted: “Tragic. 💔 Falls are no fun. He probably just found the help too uncomfortable and thought he would put it behind him. He still had so much love to give.”

Another wrote on Facebook: “Oh Richard this makes me even sadder!!!! You were so loved; now you are an angel in heaven instead of an angel on earth.”

“I hope this tragic loss reminds everyone that seniors should seek medical attention anytime they fall,” commented another. “Don't delay.”

“So sad,” wrote another fan. “I wish he had gone to the emergency room after his fall. Then he would still be here.”

A small, private funeral was held for Richard on July 19. According to a family statement to Fox News Digital, “Our beloved Dicky was laid to rest this morning surrounded by his family and closest friends. We pray for your continued love and support during this very difficult time.”

The next day, Lenny posted a photo that he said Richard planned to post on July 14. It shows him dressed as an astronaut. Richard had written the caption in advance: “Let me fly you to the moon so we can look at the stars. Love, Richard.”

Liv Lane is an entertainment writer who has covered the Hallmark Channel, HGTV, American Idol and The Voice for Heavy. She lives in Minneapolis and has three decades of experience as a local and national radio host, columnist and publicist. Over the years, she has interviewed and worked with a variety of celebrities, from Deepak Chopra to Lil Nas X. More about Liv Lane