Richard Simmons' cause of death has now been confirmed.
The heartbreaking news of the fitness guru's death came just one day after the star's 76th birthday.
As reported by NBC News, Simmons was pronounced dead on Saturday (July 13), after being found unresponsive at his Hollywood Hills home, law enforcement sources confirmed.
Following birthday well-wishes from friends, Simmons took to social media on Friday to write: "Thank you… I never got so many messages about my birthday in my life!
"I am sitting here writing emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday."
The star signed-off the post by saying: "Love, Richard."
Simmons' death was accidental, according to his brother, Lenny Simmons, who shared the news with PEOPLE.
On Wednesday, Aug. 21, the Simmons family spokesperson, Tom Estey, released a statement to PEOPLE: “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, resulting from complications related to recent falls, with heart disease as a contributing factor. The toxicology report was clear except for prescribed medications. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this time of profound loss.”
The fitness icon was found on July 13 by his longtime housekeeper, a day after celebrating his 76th birthday, as confirmed by his publicist, Tom Estey, to PEOPLE.
While the Los Angeles Police Department stated that “there is no foul play,” the cause of death was initially deferred pending further testing.
Earlier reports indicated that Simmons had fallen at home on July 12 after feeling dizzy. He mentioned to his housekeeper that he might seek medical attention the next day if his condition didn’t improve. Simmons had spoken to PEOPLE just two days before his passing, discussing his plans for his 76th birthday. He joked about blowing out a candle, though it would probably be on a zucchini, as he was a vegetarian.
At that time, Simmons told PEOPLE, "I feel good! I am grateful to be here, alive for another day. I'll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is helping people." This was part of his final interview with PEOPLE, where he reflected, “I never thought of myself as a celebrity."
"People don't realize this, but I'm actually a shy person and a bit of an introvert," Simmons told PEOPLE. "But when the curtain goes up, it’s a different story. I’m there to make people happy.”
Simmons was not only a beloved pop culture figure but also a fitness inspiration, regularly appearing on talk shows like Late Night with David Letterman and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
He created over 50 workout videos, including the iconic Sweatin’ to the Oldies series, which sold more than 22 million copies, and promoted portion control and healthy eating through top-selling meal plans like Deal-a-Meal. Lenny Simmons hopes that people will remember Richard for his career and the joy he found in helping others.
"I don’t want people to be sad about my brother," Lenny previously told PEOPLE.
"I want them to remember the genuine joy and love he brought to people’s lives," he added. "He truly cared about people. Throughout his career, he reached out to thousands of people by phone, letters, and emails to offer help. So don’t be sad," Lenny concluded, "Celebrate his life."
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