Fitness guru Richard Simmons had traces of prescription drugs used to treat insomnia in his system when he died, an autopsy report has revealed.
The report released by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office on Thursday showed that Simmons, 76, had diphenhydramine, trazodone and zolpidem in his system.
There was no evidence of any recreational drugs in his system, according to the toxicology report.
The same pills were found in her bathroom, according to the autopsy report obtained by DailyMail.com.
The medical examiner determined the cause of death to be “blunt force trauma” due to a “ground-level fall.” The cause of death was ruled an accident.
An autopsy report released Thursday showed that prescription drugs used to treat insomnia were found in Richard Simmons’ system.
The report also indicated that Simmons had arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
He was found in his home by his longtime housekeeper on August 13, just one day after celebrating his 76th birthday.
The autopsy report also showed Simmons had a “palpable fracture” to his left femur and bruises and abrasions on his right forehead, posterior scalp, arms and other parts of his body.
Simmons’ brother, Lenny, announced last week that the death was ruled “accidental due to complications from recent falls and heart disease as a contributing factor.”
“The toxicology report was negative except for the medication that Richard had been prescribed,” family spokesman Tom Estey told People. “The family would like to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss.
According to the report, Simmons suffered a fall on the night of August 12, but decided not to seek medical attention immediately because she “wanted to spend her birthday” – which was the next day – at home.
Instead, his caregiver helped Simmons back into bed.
“The decedent reportedly had an episode of dizziness after using the bathroom and collapsed to the floor,” an investigator with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office wrote.
‘It is unknown whether the deceased hit his head.’
His secretary, who visited the fitness guru, told officials that Simmons “seemed to be slurring his words.” His caretaker told officials that Simmons took medication before going to sleep.
“The toxicology report was negative except for the medication that Richard had been prescribed,” a family spokesperson told People. “The family would like to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss.”
Simmons’ body is removed from his West Hollywood home following his death on July 13, 2024
The next day, around 9:30 a.m., Simmons was found unconscious on the floor of her bedroom by her caregiver.
Simmons revealed in March that she had been diagnosed with skin cancer.
The day before, Richard celebrated his birthday on Facebook, writing to his followers: “Thank you… I’ve never received so many messages about my birthday in my life! I’m sitting here writing emails. Have a lovely rest of Friday. Love, Richard.”
Simmons also revealed his fun plans for celebrating his birthday in a very rare interview, telling People that his birthday candle would be stuck in a zucchini since he’s “vegetarian.”
Reflecting on his 76th birthday, he added: “I feel good. I’m grateful to be here, to be alive another day. I’m going to spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is helping people.”
