The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has released Richard Simmons’ official cause of death.
It was ruled an “accident.” He died from “sequelae of blunt traumatic injuries.” A contributing factor was “Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease,” a type of heart disease.
This report follows a week after Simmons’ brother, Lenny, spoke to People magazine. Through an attorney, he shared that the death was “accidental.” Falls and heart disease played a role.
The American Heart Association explains that “Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)” is linked to plaque buildup in artery walls. It can lead to heart attacks, strokes, or aortic aneurysms.
Reports indicate Simmons felt dizzy and collapsed on July 11, 2024. He was found the next morning, July 12, and spent the day in bed.
By July 13, he was found unresponsive on the floor. His death was pronounced on the scene.
The autopsy revealed “a fracture of the left femur and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.” There were also “bilateral renal cortical cysts and a gallstone.”
Toxicology results showed “diphenhydramine, trazodone, and zolpidem.” These did not contribute to his death.
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine, trazodone treats depression, and zolpidem is for insomnia. Lenny confirmed the “toxicology report was negative other than medication Richard had been prescribed.”
Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Grant Ho signed off on the report.
Simmons passed away at 76 years old in his Los Angeles home.