Richard Simmons’ cause of death deferred as investigation is launched but cops say ‘no foul play’ involved

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The cause of Richard Simmons's death is currently under investigation, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The fitness personality died a day after celebrating his 76th birthday, as confirmed by his longtime publicist Tom Estey on July 13. Earlier reports from the police indicated that "no foul play" was involved in his death.

Medical examiner defers revealing Richard Simmons' cause of death 

The Medical Examiner’s Office announced that the cause of Richard Simmons' death has been deferred, indicating that further investigation and additional testing are required. It may take up to three months to determine the cause of death. Following Simmons' death, authorities responded to a call from a housekeeper at around 10 am. 

Members of the LAPD's Robbery Homicide Division also responded to the call due to the high-profile nature of the case.  

Richard Simmons died after falling in his bathroom

Richard Simmons was found dead after falling in his bathroom on his 76th birthday. He had fallen in his bathroom on his 76th birthday. His housekeeper urged him to see a doctor immediately, but Simmons refused, saying he didn't want to go anywhere. The housekeeper helped him back to his bedroom, where she found him on the floor at around 10 am the next morning.

A source told DailyMail,  that Simmons had mentioned feeling "dizzy" before the fall, while another insider noted that Simmons showed "no obvious or external signs of injury" after the fall. It was not immediately clear if the fall and the feelings of dizziness were connected to his death.

Richard Simmons spoke about his legacy days before his death

Richard Simmons recently told People he felt "good" about turning 76. "I am grateful that I'm here, that I am alive for another day," he said. "I'll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people."

Two days before his death, Simmons also spoke about his legacy, admitting that he doesn't see himself as an icon or legend.

“I never thought of myself as a celebrity,” he said in his final interview. “People don't know this, I'm really a shy person and a little bit of an introvert. But when that curtain goes up that's a different story. I'm there to make people happy.”

Simmons continued, “But the accolades I get from emails. I mean, today most probably, we'll answer over 100 emails. And they'll say, ‘I'm your No. 1 fan.’ And I just write back, and I say, you know, ‘Don't say that because I'm a human being just like you. And I know that you do good things, too.’"

Although he remained humble, Simmons acknowledged that he was “proud” of the impact he had on how people talk about fitness and nutrition. Simmons, who had not been seen in public since 2014, said he missed his fans as much as they missed him.

“I know people miss me. And you know what? I miss them, too. But I'm able to reach them through phone calls… and through emails,” he said. “And I do leave the house sometimes. But I'm in disguise," he said. 

Richard Simmons’ fans are worried, thinking about his cause of death

Richard Simmons's death has already sent his fans into mourning. After the police announced that his death is under investigation, fans are speculating about his cause of death.

One user wrote, "Any death without a medical professional in attendance is generally investigated." 

The second user suggested, "I think he was depressed for a long time." The third user commented, "I hope no one assassinated him!" 

The fourth user shared another suggestion, "Didn't he find out he had skin cancer month ago also." The last user wrote, "RIP you gentle soul."

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