Richard Simmons' death officially ruled an accident
A report from the Los Angeles' Medical Examiner has officially ruled Richard Simmons' death an accident after he suffered a fall at home.
Richard Simmons' death has officially been ruled an accident.
The fitness guru was found dead at his house in LA last month after emergency workers responded to a 911 call from his housekeeper, and a new report issued by Los Angeles' Medical Examiner has explained how he passed away after a fall.
The report, which was obtained by People magazine, listed Richard's cause of death as “sequelae of blunt traumatic injuries” that were caused by a “ground level fall,” with “arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease” also cited as a “contributing condition.”
The documents stated: “Per reports, he experienced an episode of dizziness and collapsed on the floor on the evening of July 11, 2024.
“He was found the next morning on July 12 and spent the day in bed. On the morning of July 13, he was found unresponsive on the bedroom floor. His death was pronounced at the scene.”
Richard's body was also found to have a fractured left femur, as well as "incidental bilateral renal cortical cysts and a gallstone.”
Toxicology studies detected the presence of antihistamine diphenhydramine, antidepressant trazodone, and zolpidem - which is used to treat insomnia - but they did "not appear to have contributed to the cause of death.”
The report ruled that "for the purpose of public health and vital statistics, given the history and circumstances as currently known by me in the setting of the findings by examination and ancillary studies, the manner of death is classified as accident.”
The published report echoes a statement issued by Richard's family spokesperson earlier this month.
Tom Estey, said: “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.”
