The Department of Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating the cause of Richard Simmons’ death.
Simmons died at his home in Los Angeles on Saturday, July 13, one day after his birthday. He is 76 years old.
“Officers responded to a death investigation,” Los Angeles Police Department officials confirmed to US Newzs Digital. “No foul play.”
His official cause of death has been deferred, meaning an investigation, as well as additional testing, is required before a definitive explanation can be given for his death.
“Other significant circumstances” were listed as the cause of death, and the status of Simmons’ case is still “open.” His place of death is listed as “Residence”.
Simmons’ longtime spokesman, Tom Esty, confirmed his death to US Newzs Digital on Saturday.
A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) told US Newzs Digital that first responders were dispatched to the cardiac arrest of a 76-year-old man at Simmons’ Los Angeles home without identifying Simmons as the patient. The patient was pronounced dead of natural causes, LAFD said.
The former fitness coach, who stepped away from the spotlight 10 years ago, told People magazine in an interview last week that he was “grateful” to be “alive another day” following his skin cancer diagnosis.
The “Sweetin’ to the Oldies” host plans to blow out a candle to mark the occasion, saying the candle “may be on a pumpkin. You know, I’m a vegetarian.”
“I’m thankful I’m here, I’m alive to see another day,” he said. “I’ll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, and that’s helping people.”
In March, Simmons revealed to his followers that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer. He took to Facebook the details of the moment he learned of the diagnosis and the procedure in an attempt to remove cancer cells.
A day after Simmons announced his diagnosis, he worried fans with a social post saying he was “dying.”
“I want to tell you some news. Please don’t be sad. I’m ….dying,” he wrote at the time. “True we are all dying, we are closer to our death every day we live. Why am I telling you this? Because I want you to enjoy your life to the fullest every day. Get up in the morning and look. In the sky… count your blessings and enjoy.”
His rep confirmed to US News Digital that he is not dying, and the post is inspiring.
Simmons first rose to fame in the late 1970s with appearances on “The Richard Simmons Show”, game shows and late-night TV, and his “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” workout videos, which were first released in 1988.
“The Richard Simmons Show” earned two Daytime Emmys for Best Directing and Best Talk Show. Simmons likes to connect with regular people who want to get fit using his fun and goofy personality and his non-intimidating workout videos.