More information about the circumstances of Richard Simmons’ death has been released.
The day before the beloved fitness guru died on July 13, he deferred medical care after collapsing at his home because he wanted to spend the day at home for his 76th birthday, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Department report reviewed by USA TODAY Thursday.
The report summarized the monthlong investigation into Simmons’ cause of death and compiled information provided in interviews with witnesses and law enforcement, as well as an autopsy and lab work.
The former “Richard Simmons Show” host’s death was ruled an accident. Simmons, whose legal name was Milton Teagle Simmons, died due to “sequelae of blunt traumatic injuries” — or complications stemming from injuries — with “arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease” as a contributing condition, per the report.
Richard Simmons spent the day in bed after a fall
According to witness accounts provided for the report, Simmons experienced dizziness after using the restroom and collapsed on the evening of July 11. His caretaker discovered him on the floor at around 9:30 a.m. the following morning, and with assistance from his housekeeper, they helped Simmons into bed. No foul play is suspected.
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