Richard Simmons Died from ‘Apparent Natural Causes,’ Los Angeles Fire Department Says

Richard Simmons‘ likely cause of death has been revealed by the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Simmons was found dead at his home on Saturday. The eccentric fitness guru, who celebrated his birthday on Friday, was 76. According to a statement by the LAFD, he died of “apparent natural causes.”

“On July 13, 2024, at 9:55 AM, the LAFD responded to a Suspected Death Incident at the 1300 block of N Belfast Drive,” LAFD Captain Erik Scott told ET in a statement. “Upon arrival, one rescue ambulance discovered a 76-year-old male who was pronounced deceased on-scene by firefighter/paramedics due to apparent natural causes. As a result, no hospital transport was necessary.”

Simmons was active on social media just a few hours prior to his death and he posted about his birthday celebration the day before. Just two days before he died, he opened up in an interview with People about his gratitude and legacy.

“I’m grateful I get to live another day,” he told the outlet.

In March 2016, Simmons addressed fans’ concern in regard to his well-being in an exclusive phone interview with ET. “I love all the people who worry about me,” he said. “But it was time for me to take some time to be by myself.”

“This is how I want to live my life right now,” he said. “And to all the people that are worried about me, please don’t be. If I was in any trouble, if I was hurting in any way, I would reach out. It is time right now for Richard Simmons to take care of Richard Simmons.”

On Monday, Simmons’ brother, Lenny, reflected to ET on the late star’s legacy of championing a “better, healthier life” for people everywhere.

“What you see interviews, what you saw on his exercise videos, that’s the way he was. He didn’t turn anything off,” he told ET‘s Nischelle Turner of his brother. “This is the way he talked to people. He loved hugging people. I mean he did things for people that I I don’t think anybody else would do… He would actually go and visit people who were extremely obese and tried to help them.”

Looking back on their personal relationship, he added, “He was even patient with me even though I’m the older brother. I always looked up to him because I said he’s the real deal. He’s the person that everybody liked, everybody loved.”

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