Richard Simmons Died from Accidental Blunt Traumatic Injuries, Medical Examiner Says

• Richard Simmons died of blunt force trauma, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office said in an Aug. 22 news release.
• The fitness icon was found at his home on July 13 by his longtime housekeeper after he reportedly felt dizzy after a fall and was pronounced dead at the scene by authorities
• Simmons’ death prompted a flurry of messages from colleagues and fans who remembered him as an “angel”

The official cause of death for Richard Simmons was blunt force trauma, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office said in a press release issued Thursday, August 22. The manner of death was ruled an accident.

Simmons collapsed on Thursday, July 11, and spent the next day in bed. On the morning of Saturday, July 13, he was found unresponsive on his bedroom floor. Authorities arrived and pronounced him dead at the scene. The next day, July 14, the deputy forensic expert completed the examination at the Center for Forensics of the Institute.

Simmons’ cause of death was confirmed Aug. 22, and a full medical examiner’s report will be ready by Aug. 30, the medical examiner’s office said.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease was also one of the conditions that contributed to Simmons’ death.

Richard Simmons 2013

Rodrigo Vaz/Getty

The statement confirms what Simmons family spokesman Tom Estey told PEOPLE in an Aug. 21 statement.

“This morning, Richard Simmons’ brother, Lenny, received a call from the LA Coroner’s office,” Estey said. “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 except for Richard’s prescribed medication. The family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support at this time of great loss .”

The fitness icon was found by his longtime housekeeper on July 13, the day after he celebrated his 76th birthday, Estey confirmed to PEOPLE.

Although Los Angeles police said there was “no foul play,” an official determination of the wellness guru’s death has been delayed pending additional testing.

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Earlier reports said Simmons felt dizzy after falling at his home on July 12 and told his housekeeper that if he continued to feel unwell, he might seek medical attention the next day.

The news of his death sparked a series of messages from fans and colleagues.

Fellow fitness guru and long-time friend Denise Austin shared her tribute on Instagram, writing that she was “heartbroken”.

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“I am heartbroken because he is someone I know and started my aerobics business with over 40 years ago,” she wrote. “Every time we were together it was so much fun…filled with hugs, laughter and tears.”

AND Whose line is it anywayClub X’s Greg Proops wrote, “Richard Simmons was a wonderful man. Kind and funny. Probably our most popular guest,” he wrote, referring to Simmons’ June 2003 appearance on the show.

In the late 80s, Richard Simmons launched his iconic fitness series, ‘Sweatin’ to the Oldies’.

Courtesy of Everett

During his career, Simmons has produced more than 50 workout videos — including his memorable franchise, I sweat with old people, which has sold more than 22 million copies — and championed portion control with best-selling meal plans like Deal-a-Meal.

He was well-liked, but as his brother Lenny told PEOPLE, “I don’t want people to be sad about my brother.”

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“I want him to be remembered 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.”

“Don’t be sad. Celebrate his life,” Lenny told PEOPLE.

A representative for Simmons’ family, Estey, told PEOPLE, “The world has truly lost an angel.”

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