Richard Simmons' cause of death announced – NBC Los Angeles

New details have emerged about the death of famous health and fitness guru Richard Simmons at the age of 76.

In a statement, a family spokesman said the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office confirmed Simmons' cause of death in July at his Los Angeles home.

“This morning, Richard Simmons' brother Lenny received a call from the Los Angeles County Coroner's office,” spokesman Tom Estey said in a statement released Wednesday. “The coroner advised Lenny that Richard's death was an accident due to complications from recent falls and heart disease as a contributing cause. The toxicology report was negative, other than the medications that Richard had been prescribed. The family would like to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss.”

The medical examiner's case report on Simmons, released early Wednesday afternoon, gave no indication of the cause of death.

The cause of death had previously been left open by the coroner until the investigation was completed.

Simmons died at his Hollywood Hills home on July 13. Authorities responded to a call indicating Simmons was unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

With his bubbly personality, unwavering positivity and seemingly boundless energy, Simmons was a fixture on health and fitness television in the 1980s, but he hadn't been seen publicly for about a decade. In 2016, he called TODAY to respond to rumors that his housekeeper was holding him hostage.

Two days before his death, Simmons gave a final interview to People magazine. He was asked about his reticence in recent years.

“When I decided to retire, my body was telling me I needed to retire,” Simmons said. “I spent time reflecting on my life. All the books I've written, the videos. I never thought, 'Oh, look what I've done.' I always thought, 'Oh, look how many people I've helped.'”

On his birthday, the day before his death, he also posted a social media message to his fans.

“Thank you… I've never had so many messages on my birthday in my life!” he wrote on July 12. “I'm sitting here writing emails. Have a wonderful rest of your Friday!”

Simmons also shared a message on Facebook with his fans: “So many of you have sent me happy birthday wishes on Facebook and other platforms. I really appreciate it. I don't know when your birthday is but I wish you all the best and all the best!”