Fitness icon Richard Simmons had prescription medications in his system when he died after a fall at his home, according to a newly released autopsy report.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office disclosed that Simmons, who passed away at age 76, had traces of drugs commonly used to treat insomnia present in his body at the time of death.
The Daily Mail reported on the autopsy findings, which shed light on the circumstances surrounding the beloved exercise guru's passing. The medical examiner ruled Simmons' death as accidental, attributing it to "sequelae of blunt force traumatic injuries" resulting from a fall.
The toxicology report indicated the presence of diphenhydramine, trazodone, and zolpidem in his system - all medications typically prescribed for sleep issues. Importantly, no evidence of recreational drug use was found.
The autopsy report revealed that Simmons had suffered a fall on the evening of August 12, just one day before his 76th birthday. Despite the incident, he opted not to seek immediate medical attention, expressing a desire to spend his birthday at home. His caretaker assisted him back to bed following the fall.
On the morning of August 13, Simmons' caretaker discovered him unresponsive on his bedroom floor. The report noted that Simmons had experienced dizziness after using the bathroom the previous evening, resulting in a collapse. It remains unclear whether he struck his head during the incident.
The autopsy also uncovered evidence of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, along with various injuries consistent with a fall, including a fracture to his left femur and contusions on multiple parts of his body.
Simmons' brother, Lenny, had previously announced that the fitness star's death was ruled accidental, with complications from recent falls and heart disease listed as contributing factors. A family spokesperson, Tom Estey, provided further clarification on the autopsy results.
Estey stated:
The toxicology report was negative other than medication Richard had been prescribed. The Family wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss.
The medical examiner's report confirmed that the same medications found in Simmons' system were also present in his bathroom, corroborating the prescribed nature of the drugs.
In the days leading up to his death, Simmons had maintained some public presence, albeit limited. He had taken to Facebook on his birthday, expressing gratitude for the numerous messages he had received and sharing a brief update with his fans.
Simmons' last known public statement came in a rare interview with People magazine, where he discussed his birthday plans and reflected on turning 76. He shared his intention to celebrate with a vegetarian-friendly birthday candle stuck in a zucchini, maintaining his commitment to a meat-free lifestyle even in his final days.
The autopsy report on Richard Simmons revealed the presence of prescribed sleep medications in his system at the time of his accidental death. The beloved fitness personality passed away following a fall at his home, with contributing factors including recent falls and heart disease. Despite the circumstances, Simmons expressed gratitude and positivity in his final public communications, maintaining the upbeat persona that had endeared him to millions throughout his career.
