Richard Simmons Dead at 76

(RepublicanDaily.org) – Pop culture icon and pioneering fitness guru Richard Simmons has passed away at the age of 76.

The death of the eccentric and flamboyant fitness personality was confirmed by his family. Sources from law enforcement say that Simmons was found dead in his Los Angeles home by a housekeeper, who immediately reported it through a call to 911.

His death has been initially attributed to natural causes and police do not suspect foul play at this time. However, an investigation into Simmon’s death is underway at the moment, which is being conducted by the Los Angeles coroner’s office. According to the public information officer for the Los Angeles Police Department, Norma Eisenman, authorities will only be able to formally close the case once the final cause of death has been determined and confirmed.

Unnamed sources have told news outlets that Simmons suffered a fall in his bathroom just hours before he was found dead, and it is unknown if the incident was related to the ultimate cause of his passing.

Simmons’ death came as a shock to many, especially since he had just celebrated his 76th birthday just a day earlier. He had even posted a thank-you message to fans and supporters on social media. Simmons had largely retreated from the public eye after enthralling audiences on TV for four decades, and in March suddenly revealed that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer under one of his eyes.

Simmons became a household staple on many televisions in the 1970’s through his eponymous talk show. Simmons’ lively and upbeat approach garnered his show two Daytime Emmys for best talk show and best direction. In particular, his workout segments called the “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” became a hit and a pop culture cult classic, owing to his relatable approach that differed from the traditional ripped and fit image cultivated by other fitness programs.