Richard Simmons: TV fitness guru’s autopsy reveals drugs in his system when he died after a fall

He revolutionised exercise for millions. Now a toxicology report reveals Richard Simmons had drugs in his system.

Legendary TV fitness guru Richard Simmons had traces of prescription drugs used to treat insomnia in his system when he died, an autopsy report has revealed.

His brother, Lenny, last week revealed that the star, famed for his vivacious approach to exercise and weight loss, died last month at the age of 76 due to “complications from recent falls and heart disease”.

A toxicology report released on Thursday showed Simmons had diphenhydramine, trazodone and zolpidem in his system.

There were no evidence of any recreational drugs in his system, according to the report released by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The same pills were found in his bathroom, according to the autopsy report.

Heath authorities warn that older adults that use sleep medication every night are at greater odds of experiencing falls.

TV fitness legend Richard Simmons died at the age of 76.

A Simmons family spokesman told People magazine the LA coroner’s office had informed Lenny that Richard’s death was accidental due to complications from recent falls and heart disease as a contributing factor.

“The toxicology report was negative other than medication Richard had been prescribed,” spokesman Tom Estey said.

“The family wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss,” he said.

Simmons was found dead on July 13, the day after his 76th birthday, by his housekeeper, Teresa Reveles.

He had been posting thank you messages to fans for their birthday wishes just hours before his death.

Ms Reveles confirmed in an interview with People that Simmons had suffered a fall in the days leading up to his death but that he had refused to get medical help.

The much-loved star help millions improve their fitness. Picture: AFP

“Let’s go to the hospital. Maybe you broke your leg,” Reveles recalled telling Simmons.

She said he responded, “No, Teresa. Not on my birthday. Why we don’t wait and we do it in the morning.”

“But in the morning it was too late,” she said.

In a rare interview with People Magazine published the week before his death, the bubbly star said he was feeling good despite his age.

“I am grateful that I’m here, that I am alive for another day,” he told People. “I’ll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people.”

Richard Simmons in the 1980s.

Lenny Simmons told People he wanted people to celebrate his brother’s life. 

“I don’t want people to be sad about my brother,” he said.

“I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people’s lives. He truly cared about people.

“He called, wrote and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help.”

“So don’t be sad. Celebrate his life.”

A funeral for Simmons was held on July 19 in Los Angeles, California,

Simmons revolutionised the TV fitness industry when he burst into the spotlight in the 1970s and 80s.

His infectious personality and high energy workouts charmed TV audiences the world over as he encouraged millions to get off the couch and lose weight the healthy way.

He was the author of nine books, including the New York Times Best Seller, Never Say Diet.

Born in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Simmons was inspired to get healthy after battling obesity as a high school student. .

He encouraged others to lose weight by reducing portions and moving more after revealing his early struggles with fad diets and laxative use to shed the kilos.

After adopting healthy eating habits and exercising regularly, he moved to Los Angeles in 1973 and opened his fitness studio, SLIMMONS, in Beverly Hills where he continued to teach classes until 2013.

His success as an instructor landed him appearances on local and then national television programs in the US before he became a global star.