Richard Simmons’ final social media post has left fans shocked and heartbroken. Shared just hours before his unexpected death, the post has sparked a wave of disbelief and speculation online. As the world mourns the fitness guru, questions arose about the events leading to his passing.
The death of Richard Simmons, a beloved fitness icon, has dealt a big blow to his fans and admirers. Simmons was celebrated for his infectious energy and dedication to promoting health. However, the last decade of his life was shrouded in mystery.
Just five hours before his death, Simmons posted a request on social media. This last post has triggered widespread speculation and confusion. This feature explores the events leading up to his tragic passing and his final messages. It also covers the reactions of his devoted followers.
The Unexpected Tragedy
Law enforcement sources reported that Richard Simmons was found unresponsive by his housekeeper at around 10 a.m. on July 13, 2024. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Initial investigations suggest no foul play, with police treating it as a natural death.
Richard Simmons poses for a portrait in 1992 | Source: Getty Images
Simmons’ housekeeper revealed that he had fallen in his bathroom the previous night. Though she urged him to see a doctor, Simmons insisted on staying home to celebrate his 76th birthday. He mentioned feeling dizzy before the fall but preferred to rest rather than seek medical attention.
He promised to seek medical attention the next day if necessary. Tragically, this was not to be. On Saturday morning, the live-in housekeeper found Simmons unresponsive on the floor next to his bed. Although he showed no visible signs of injury, the cause of his dizziness and fall remains unclear.
An autopsy has been completed, but the exact cause of death is pending toxicology test results. The Medical Examiner’s Office stated that the cause of death has been deferred for further investigation and testing. This may take up to three months.
Simmons had largely retreated from the public eye in recent years. He made his last public appearance at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2013.
Richard Simmons attends the 87th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade on November 28, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
In 2016, he denied rumors of being held captive by his housekeeper during a call to the “Today Show.” He said, “That’s just very silly,” reassuring fans of his well-being.
In March of this year, he revealed he was battling skin cancer, but his death is currently considered to be from natural causes. Even though he largely stayed out of the public eye, he remained active in social media.
A Glimpse into His Final Days
Simmons’ social media activity in the days leading up to his death showed a man full of life and gratitude. On July 4, 2024, he posted a cheerful photo celebrating Independence Day.
He was dressed in a festive and patriotic outfit, complete with a colorful headpiece with small American flags, shiny tinsel, and pinwheel-style decorations. In the picture, Simmons radiated his characteristic joy.
His caption read, “Happy 4th of July my friends…..always remember I am your fireworks. Love, Richard.” This post, filled with his usual exuberance, radiated positivity and love for his followers.
Just two days later, on July 6, Simmons shared another playful post. This time, he referenced the iconic horror film “Psycho” with a caption that read, “My name is Marion. I just checked into the Bates Motel. I am going to take a nice hot shower. Love, Richard.”
A photo of the beloved fitness expert accompanied this lighthearted and humorous message. The post continued his tradition of engaging and entertaining his audience.
The next day, he posted his picture on X with the message, “Peace to all of you and remember…All you need is love. Love, Richard.” Simmons looked relaxed and stylish in the photo, embodying a casual yet cool vibe.
He wore a long-sleeved white shirt with an intricate black skull design. He wore his dark hair long, falling neatly to his shoulders, framing his face and highlighting his round, tinted sunglasses.
His smile was warm and genuine, his left arm outstretched, resting against a vintage-style, weathered wooden door. His right hand was raised in a classic peace sign.
Simmons’ final celebratory message came on his 76th birthday, July 12. He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming number of birthday messages he had received.
“Thank you…I never got so many messages about my birthday in my life! I am sitting here writing emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday. Love, Richard,” he wrote.
This post, filled with appreciation and warmth, wasn’t his last interaction with his fans. Simmons’ final post, shared just hours before his death, caught his fans by surprise and raised many questions.
Richard Simmons at ACME Comedy Theatre on December 13, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Users Shocked by His Last Post
The most shocking moment for fans came with Simmons’ final social media post, shared just five hours before his death. The post featured a serene close-up image of Simmons lying back with a peaceful expression.
He appeared calm and contemplative, dressed in glamorous attire with a fluffy, light-colored fur collar and stylish triangular gold earrings. His makeup was tastefully done, with well-defined eyeliner. The caption read, “Hello gorgeous! Please don’t rain on my parade.”
This unexpected and poignant message left fans in a state of disbelief. “5 hrs. ago posting messages & gone just like that. You seriously never know,” wrote one user. Another baffled user commented, “Richard was pronounced dead at around ten am LA time so how was he able to post this post?”
Another questioned, “Richard, did you really die in the last 5 hours?” The timing of his death and the serene nature of the post led to a flurry of comments and theories about what might have happened in those final hours.
Some fans speculated about the circumstances surrounding his death, while others simply expressed their sorrow and disbelief. “Umm, this is haunting if this post was shortly before you passed. Rest in peace :(,” said another user, while another observed, “Wow…he’d have to have gone shortly after posting this.”
As fans continued to process the shock of his passing, his family broke their silence.
Mourning a Legend
In the wake of the fitness guru’s passing, his brother, Lenny, shared a heartfelt message on Simmons’ X and Facebook profiles. He urged fans to focus on the joy and love Richard brought into their lives rather than mourn his loss.
He wrote, “I don’t want people to be sad about my brother. 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! He was very excited about all of the upcoming ventures he was working on. We are in shock. Please respect the family at this difficult time,” he added.
Richard Simmons’ passing marks the end of an era for many who were inspired by his energy and kindness. While the exact cause of his death remains under investigation, his legacy as a fitness icon and beloved public figure lives on.
As fans around the world continue to pay tribute, the enigmatic final moments of Simmons’ life remind us of the lasting impact he had on so many lives.
